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CRC — Dred Pirate Method

Last Updated: March 25, 2019. This guide outlines the Dred Pirate CRC method for removing color bodies from hydrocarbon extracts during closed-loop extractions. It includes PPE requirements, media ratios, filter staging, potential hazards, and the step-by-step CRC procedure.

Link to Dred Pirate CRC SOP

Quick Facts

  • Process Name: Color Remediation Column (CRC) — Dred Pirate Method
  • Category: SOP / Hydrocarbon Extraction
  • Primary Solvents: Butane, Propane, or blends
  • Media Used:
    • Celite 545
    • T5 Bentonite Clay
    • Silica 60
    • Activated Alumina
  • Skill Level: Intermediate extraction technician
  • Purpose: Improve extract clarity, reduce pigments, and enhance product appearance during hydrocarbon extraction.

Safety & PPE

PPE required:

  • Splash goggles
  • Lab coat
  • Gloves
  • Breathing mask

Safety Notes:

  • SDS sheets must be available for all chemicals.
  • Hydrocarbons are flammable; ensure Class 1 Division 1/2 safe operating conditions.
  • CRC media is fine particulate — avoid inhalation.
  • Recovery must be performed carefully to preserve terpene profiles and prevent pressure spikes.

Hazard Identification

  • Extraction uses hydrocarbon solvents, requiring strict environmental controls.
  • Solvent recovery must be performed in a controlled manner to maintain terpenes and prevent dangerous vapor buildup.
  • CRC occurs inline, before the solution enters the collection vessel.
  • Operators must reference butane and propane SDS sheets for additional risk detail.

Before You Begin / Preparation

Solvent & Material Setup
  • Use preferred hydrocarbon blend (butane, propane, or mix).
  • Recommended ratio: 5 parts solvent to 1 part biomass.
  • No additional solvent should be added mid-run (per page 1).
  • Extraction takes place in a closed-loop hydrocarbon extractor.
Media Required (per kilo of biomass):
  • Activated Alumina: 100 g
  • Silica 60: 100 g
  • T5 Bentonite Clay: 175–200 g
  • Celite 545: Amount needed to fill the retention ring
Filter Paper Staging
  • 20 micron
  • 8 micron
  • 1 micron (or similar equivalents)

If using Indofab CRC hardware, skip staged papers and place a small amount of Celite on the sintered disc.

Step-by-Step Procedure

STEP 1 — Pack Material Column
  • Load the extraction column with the required amount of biomass.

STEP 2 — Chill Solvent Tank
  • Bring the solvent tank to –50°F or colder.

STEP 3 — Prepare CRC Media
  • Stage micron filter papers: 20 / 8 / 1 μm.
  • Fill the center retention ring above the 20–25 μm paper with Celite 545.
    • Press evenly with a flat surface.
    • Skip this step if using Indofab CRC hardware.
  • Add media in this order (from bottom to top):
    • Celite 545 (retention layer)
    • T5 Bentonite Clay (lightly packed)
    • Silica 60
    • Activated Alumina

STEP 4 — Optional: Inline Dewax
  • Dewax the solution before it reaches the CRC column. (Recommended for best results.)

STEP 5 — Pull Vacuum on Entire System
  • Ensure all CRC media layers remain settled and compact.

STEP 6 — Begin Extraction Run
  • Follow your standard extraction SOP. Flood the material column and allow solvent to soak before releasing to CRC.

STEP 7 — Control Solvent Flow Through CRC
  • Slowly open the valve leading to the collection vessel.
  • DO NOT rush solvent flow — fast flow can cause:
    • Channeling
    • Binding
    • Clogging
    • Media disruption
  • Find the “sweet spot” unique to each setup.

STEP 8 — Complete Solvent Pass (5:1 Ratio)
  • Once the desired 5:1 solvent-to-material volume has passed through CRC, finish the run as per the facility’s standard SOP.

STEP 9 — Clear Column Using Nitrogen or Hot Vapor Loop
  • Use a nitrogen sweep or hot vapor loop to push remaining solvent through the CRC.
  • Be gentle to avoid puncturing filter papers or disturbing media layers.

STEP 10 — Post-Dewax Fat Filtration

If dewaxing was performed:

  • Open the dump valve.
  • Allow solution to pass through the top layer of Activated Alumina.
  • Let solution fully saturate CRC before opening the collection valve.

STEP 11 — Begin Recovery
  • Resume or start recovery per standard operating procedures.

Contacts & Supplier Links

  • CRC Sales:
     Email: Sales@indofabsolutions.com
    IG: @indofabsolutions

  • Media Sales (Carbon Chemistry products):
     IG: @killa1245_concentrates
    Email: mikerotkowitz@gmail.com

  • Help / In-Person Consulting:
     IG: @Dred_Pirate
    Email: IanInglish@gmail.com

Training Requirement

All personnel must:

  • Read and fully understand this SOP.
  • Receive hands-on training for CRC extraction.
  • Sign acknowledgement (“I have read and understand this SOP…”) as shown on page 3.

Documentation & Revision Control

The PDF includes a Document Revision & Approval History table on page 1 and a blank signature/initials grid on page 4.

In your KB system, this converts to:

  • Revision number
  • Prepared by / Reviewed by / Approved by
  • Revision date
  • Notes on changes

Contact & Support

For equipment selection or CRC hardware assistance:

📞 734-855-4890
 📧 support@usalabequipment.com