BVV Mercurius MK-V User manual

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Mercurius MK-V Active Closed Loop Extractor User Manual

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Table of Contents
•Introduction:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
i. General Uses and Extraction Information……………………………………………………………………………………………....3
ii. General Safety Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....3
iii. Preparing to Extract……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....4
iv. Manipulating Thermals…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………....4
a. Using Circulatory Pumps
b. Using Immersion Heater
c. Chilling Options
v. Controls and Components…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………...6
a. Valve/Hose Layout
b. Active Recovery Set-up
•Startup and Operation:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
i. Pre-Run Procedure/Testing……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
ii. Utilizing Solvent Evaporative Cooling…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
iii. Adding Solvent to System……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
a. Bottom Flood Input…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
b. Top Flood Input…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
iv. Utilizing The Hot Vapor Loop.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
v. Re-circulating Solvent……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
vi. Recovery………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
a. Column Recovery…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
b. Collection Base Recovery….………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
c. When is Recovery Finished……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
•Post Run Procedure.................................................................................................................................................
i. Removing the Extract…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
ii. Cleaning and Gear Maintenance……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
•Troubleshooting
•Service and Technical Support
•Warranty

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Introduction:
The Mercurius Active closed loop is intended to perform hydrocarbon botanical extraction within a sealed
system. Rack mounting provides ease of work, eliminating heavy lifting associated with operating large
capacity units of the past. Using a combination of jacketed columns, condensers, and solvent evaporation,
temperatures can be controlled throughout the system to ensure the highest clarity extract is achieved.
Here are some features that make running the Mercurius active so efficient.
•Rack Mounting
•Bi-Directional Solvent flow
•Active Recovery for both collection and material column
•Hot Vapor Loop
•Jacketed collection base
•Dual condensing for efficient recovery
General Uses and Extraction Information
Hydrocarbon extraction is performed by passing an alcane solvent over an organic material to separate
terpenes and other hydrocarbon compounds. Solvent is then distilled to leave the extracted compounds
behind. The Mercurius is an active closed loop, so solvent is moved with a combination of temperature
manipulation, as well as pump assistance. This system is intended to be run with 100% butane (R-600) or iso-
butane (R-600a)***. Solvents always seek the lowest pressure in the system. By chilling the receiving vessel
below the boiling point of the solvent used, the liquid solvent will seek that vessel to reduce its pressure.
***If propane(R-290) is to be used, inline sight glasses must be removed from system.
General Safety Information
When operated and maintained according to the directions in the manual, common practices and safety
procedures, the Mercurius Active system should provide a safe and reliable extraction process. This unit
should be run only in extremely well ventilated areas. If running the unit indoors, it must be operated in areas
approved by local fire marshal, in accordance to local and state laws/ordinances. Always pressure check
system prior to every use. Make sure all gasket seals are cleaned with compatible solvents, and checked for
wear before each use.
The Mercurius Active system uses flammable solvents. Use EXTREME caution while
operating unit. ALWAYS OPERATE IN EXTREMELY WELL VENTILATED AREAS
Vacuum Pump is to be located OUTSIDE of extraction room, with hosing piped through
the walls. NEVER use pump when flammable vapors are in present in system.

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Preparing to Extract
Before you begin, you are going to want to make sure you have the necessary supplies to run the unit. Here is
a list of some things that will be needed to operate the unit.
▪Tools (various wrenches/sockets)
▪Dry Ice
▪Alcohol or Glycol for condensers
▪Butane
▪Nitrogen gas cylinder with regulator
▪Refrigerant scale
▪Combustible Gas Leak Detector (recommended)
▪Explosion-proof exhaust fan (recommended)
▪Cleaning solvent (D-limonene is recommended)
Once the machine is packed with material and assembled, always pressure test the gasket and clamp
connections. Pressurize the entire unit to 90 PSI with nitrogen gas using the vacuum valve. Allow pressure to
sit for at least 10 minutes, checking to make sure no pressure is lost. If the unit is sealed, connect vacuum
pump to manifold and pull a full vacuum.
Manipulating Thermals
In order to move the solvent through the system, you must ensure that the supply vessel is of higher pressure
than the receiving vessel. This can be achieved by making sure the receiving vessel is colder than the supply
vessel. Temperature is pressure, so maintaining a temperature gradient to transfer solvent within the system
is important.
Even though this system is intended to be run active, it is still very important to practice passive tech. We
want to ensure the temperatures within the system are set so it could recovery passively, and the mechanical
force of the pump is simply used to aid recovery.
The best way to maintain control while operating an active system is to use passive tech. If coil and condenser
temperatures are significantly lower than solvent boiling point, solvent will maintain liquid state and pull a
Always tighten clamps evenly on each side. Unit MUST be pressure tested to 90 PSI
before each use. Failure to do so could result in solvent leaks.

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vacuum on itself. If temperatures will not allow this negative pressure, the pump will always be fighting this
opposing pressure.
If you refer to (fig. 1), you can see that solvent pressure is directly related to its temperature. As the solvent
increases in temperature above the boiling point (fig.2), pressure will increase. Alternatively, since we are
working in a system that is at a full vacuum, as the solvent gets colder than the boiling point, pressures will
start to go into the negative.
When distilling the solvent in the collection, it is important to note the boiling point of the most delicate
compound in your extract; i.e. when extracting hops or rosemary, your recovery temperature should not exceed the
boiling point of your lowest boiling terpene, Beta-caryophyllene. It is important to note that boiling points decrease as
the level of vacuum increases. The change in boiling points can be calculated using the Clausius Clapeyron Equation. For
B-caryophyllene,
▪[246.2°F @760torr (-0.00in.hg) 0% vac]
▪[180.00°F @100torr (-25.98 in.hg) 87% vac]
▪[159.99°F @50torr. (-27.95 in.hg) 93.5% vac]
▪[138.82°F @23.4torr (-29 in.hg) 96.9% vac]
▪[109.44°F @7.6torr. (-29.62 in.hg) 99% vac]
By keeping the warm water bath below the boiling point of the lowest boiling compound, you are able to
preserve the full spectrum of your extract.
Solvent
Boiling
Point
n-Butane (R-600)
30.2 °F
(-1 °C)
Isobutane (R-600a)
10.94 °F
(-11.7 °C)
FIG.1
FIG.2

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a. Using Circulatory Pumps
The Mercurius Active system uses a jacketed collection base. In order to manipulate thermals within the
collection, a chiller or circulation pump and heat/cold bath is required. It is recommended to use a dry ice and
propelyne glycol bath for the cold end, and a water bath with an immersion heater for the warm. To use the
pump, simply submerge the pump in the chosen temperature bath, or use the siphon line configuration.
Please refer to the instructions provided with the pump to get further information on the pump.
b. Using Immersion Heater
In order to maintain the warm bath for recovery, the use of an immersion heater is required. It is
recommended when operating the Mercurius system to use a Polyscience LX Immersion Heater. This heater
is simple to use, and helps make recovery quick and efficient.
Use the Menu button to set to
Fahrenheit or Celsius, then set
temperature.
Once a set temp is made, press the
start menu to start heating and
circulation.
It is recommended to set the
temperature 5 to 10 degrees warmer
than your intended recovery
temperature. This will accommodate
temperature loss when switching
from cold to warm.
Controls and Components

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a. Valve/Hose Layout
The valve layout and hose configuration is listed in the diagram below. Hoses diameters are listed below.
b. Active Recovery Set-up
The Mercurius Active closed loop extractor comes standard with an active recovery set up. This consists of a
molecular sieve, recovery pump, condensing coil, and LP tank.
First, let’s start with the molecular sieve. This rack mounted column features two hemispherical reducers, 5
micron filter screen, and desiccant beads. These beads absorb moisture from solvent vapors during recovery.
It is important that the moisture absorption of these beads is monitored, and they are regularly refreshed.
(Bake beads in oven @300 F until blue indicating beads restore to original color). The 5 micron filter screens
prevent dust from the desiccant beads from transferring into pump and LP tank.
ALWAYS CHECK THAT SEIVE HAS GASKETS INSTALLED BEFORE FIRST USE.
A heat jacket can be installed on the molecular sieve to prevent condensing of solvent inside the sieve. This
can also be used to increase incoming pressure of the recovery pump.
FIG.3

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The recovery pump is used during recovery to add a mechanical assistance to passive solvent recovery. This is
used to help regulate pressures and speed up recovery. The recovery pump also features a coil bypass which
is used to manipulate pressure and temperature of the material column.
The final stage of the active recovery system is a condensing coil. This ensures solvent vapors are efficiently
condensed and chilled, allowing solvent pressures to be reduced.
Start-up and Operation:
In this section, we will cover pre-run procedure and the operation of the Mercurius Active system. It is
important to have your tools on hand at all times (wrenches, scales, buckets). When setting up the unit, it is
recommended to position all clamps with the same positioning, if possible. This ensures continuity if
adjustments are needed during operation.
Always make sure your system is positioned on a level surface with adequate air flow. Butane is known to
pool in cool areas, so it is important to ensure no areas of stagnant air flow exist in the workspace. If
operating indoors, it is important that your workspace meets the criteria for a Class I, Division 1 work
environment. Please consult your local fire marshal to ensure workspace is in accordance to local
laws/ordinances.
Pre-Run Procedure/Testing
Pack material column with your chosen organic material, then assemble each column as pictured above.
Always check that fasteners on rack are tightened before each use. Make sure all filter screens are in place and
filter plates have a coffee or lab filter in place. (Coffee filters are 20micron).
The Mercurius Active is intended to be packed with dry material. *Wet or damp material can be run with
proper pre-run processing and additional nitrogen purging. Care must be had to maintain subzero
temperatures during this type of extraction** System capacity is figured at 4.2 g/in3. Capacity may vary
depending on material/packing density. It is recommended to give a firm pack; a loose fill of the column will
allow solvent to pass over the material too easily.
Before beginning the first run, it is important to heavily clean all gear. Oils and
metal shavings from manufacturing, as well as warehouse and packing dust can
potentially be on all equipment. Failure to do so can result in contaminated
extracts.

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After unit is fully packed and assembled, attach nitrogen cylinder to manifold and perform pre-run pressure
testing.
When no loss in pressure is observed, release nitrogen pressure. Disconnect nitrogen cylinder from vacuum
port and connect vacuum pump.*If you have a diaphragm pump, use this to pull nitrogen pressure out instead
of releasing to open air. This prevents moisture from atmosphere from re-entering machine** Allow unit to be
pulled to a full vacuum, using the multiple pressure gauges to ensure full negative pressure is achieved. When
completed, the vacuum pump can be put away until next use.
Before you begin adding solvent into the system, it is it is important to pre-weigh solvent in the LP tank to ensure the
system is not overfilled. This also enables solvent to be re-weighed post extraction, ensuring all solvent has been
recovered.
Utilizing Solvent Evaporative Cooling
The Mercurius Active system is set up to utilize the evaporative cooling properties of our hydrocarbon
solvents. To quickly summarize what this means, solvent is feathered into the material column, just enough to
ensure that all of the material has been slightly saturated. Once the material is gently wetted, force recovery
of the column from the column recovery path. Once a vacuum is restored on the column, the material and
column will freeze.
Every time you assemble your Mercurius Active system, it is vital that the system is
pressure tested to 90 PSI with nitrogen gas. This ensures all clamps/gasket and
hose connections are sealed. Make sure all valves are in open position during
testing. Allow pressure to sit for at least 10 minutes before releasing pressure and
pulling system to a full vacuum.
The solvent capacity of n-Butane of the Mercurius active is determined by the size of the collection
base.
*Solvent capacity at 80% fill**
10” x 10” – 12 lbs. 12” x 12” – 24 lbs. 12” x 24” – 48 lbs.
Always check high pressure nuts and bolts for wear and tear before each use. It
is recommended to have spares on hand to prevent down time. Failure to
maintain clamps can result in unexpected clamp failure.

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The diagram above (fig. 4) shows a two-step flow of how this is performed. Red blocks indicate closed valves,
green signifies open. During path 1, valves numbered 2 are closed, vice versa.
First start by opening the liquid port on LP tank, then follow path one. Use the top flood input valve to gently
feather solvent into the material column. The aim is to only allow enough solvent in to wet the material. The
inline ball valve can be opened so sight glasses can be used as an aid when learning.
*If this method is used, stop flow the moment any solvent is seen hitting collection base. Too much saturation will hinder the
process**
Once the material column is saturated, close valves marked one, as well as the liquid line on the LP. Open
valves marked 2 and the vapor port on the LP, then start the Recovery Pump. The mechanical pull from the
pump will force a phase change on the solvent, turning liquid into vapor. The resulting vapor will be
recovered. As the phase change occurs, latent heat from all surfaces touched by solvent will be removed,
instantly freezing the material column. This change will occur once all pressure is relieved from the column,
and vacuum returns.
FIG.4