Optimizing the EA neutralization step in CIELO
For some people, reclaimed EA (magnetic stirrer) can be cloudy. This can interfere with the main TEK (but not always).
So it could be time to re-optimize the reclaim step.
When developed originally, the reclaim process stated with wetter EA because the wet crumbs had more water. Now we are using less water to make the alkaline cactus crumbs and the EA is drier.
Cloudiness is likely dry sodium fumarate from the neutralization reaction. It is soluble in water ~23%, and water is effective at dragging it out of the EA. There could be other things contributing to cloudiness (e.g. molecules from the plant).
Therefore increasing the water recommendation (currently 1 teaspoon) for the neutralization step in the TEK could make it more robust (?)
Maybe some people using the TEK have already observed this and adjusted. Interested in results or ideas on a regen update. I have done a brine wash if needed to clear cloudiness (happens to me rarely), but it would be better if the regen step worked every time without an extra clarification step.
One thing I am going to test is the break up the single neutralization step into two:
Wet neutralization: Add a tablespoon of water and tablespoon of sodium carbonate. This will neutralize the fumaric acid and should create some wet droplets that soak up the water soluble salt.
Once neutralkzation is complete (no more salt formation), and another tablespoon of sodium carbonate to partially dry the EA to bring it to a lower wetness and ready for the TEK (so it doesn't affect the wet crumb consistency).
Maybe step 2 is overkill and not needed if using fumaric (but required for citric).
Or the update may not work, or creates new unknown issues witch would not be observed before thorough testing.
Interested in feedback or ideas here. Thank!