The cannabis plant, also known as marijuana or hemp, is a versatile and highly sought-after plant known for its medicinal and recreational properties. However, the nature of the cannabis plant can be inconsistent and unpredictable, making it difficult to produce a consistent end product. This is due to the fact that different strains of cannabis can have varying levels of THC and CBD, the two main compounds responsible for the plant's effects. Additionally, even within the same strain, the taste, smell, and potency can vary greatly depending on factors such as growing conditions and genetic mutations.
These inconsistencies can cause problems when producing cannabis-based products, such as edibles or tinctures, as they can result in variations in taste, smell, and potency. This can be particularly problematic in the medical field, where patients may require a consistent and predictable dose of THC or CBD for treatment.
To combat these inconsistencies, a process known as distillation can be used to isolate and separate the THC and CBD components from other cannabis components. Distillation is a process in which a liquid is heated and then cooled, allowing the different components to separate based on their different boiling points. This allows for the targeted extraction of specific compounds, such as THC and CBD, and their infusion into the final product.
Furthermore, the use of Rotary Evaporator in the distillation process allows for a more efficient and precise isolation of the desired compounds and removal of unwanted impurities. This results in a more consistent and pure end product, with a higher concentration of THC and CBD.
The inherent inconsistencies and unpredictability of the cannabis plant can make it difficult to produce a consistent end product. However, through the use of distillation and specifically Rotary Evaporator, it is possible to isolate and separate the desired THC and CBD components, resulting in a more consistent and pure product. This is especially important in the medical field, where patients require a consistent and predictable dose of THC or CBD for treatment.
Definition of Cannabis Distillation
Cannabis distillation is a post-processing technique that is used to further purify and isolate specific compounds from the extract obtained through an initial solvent-based extraction. The initial extraction process typically involves the use of solvents such as ethanol, CO2 or butane to extract the desired compounds from the plant material. However, this process can leave behind impurities, such as chlorophyll, waxes and other unwanted plant material.
Distillation is used to remove these impurities and to increase the potency of the extract by isolating specific compounds, such as THC and CBD. The process of distillation involves heating the extract to a specific temperature, allowing the desired compounds to evaporate and be condensed back into a liquid form. This allows for the targeted extraction of the specific compounds, such as THC and CBD, and the removal of unwanted impurities.
Extract practice cases
In the cannabis industry, the process of extracting and purifying the desired compounds from the plant material is a crucial step in producing consistent and high-quality products. One of the commonly used methods of initial extraction is the use of PX1 or PXP systems, which use solvents such as ethanol, CO2 or butane to extract the desired compounds from the plant material. This process results in a crude oil that has a concentration of THC and CBD of 60-80%.
However, this crude oil also contains a mixture of other compounds such as terpenes, which are responsible for the flavors and smells of the plant, as well as other plant-based components such as vitamins and antioxidants. These compounds can have an impact on the overall flavor and smell of the final product, but they are not the primary focus of the extraction process.
To further purify the oil and increase the potency of the extract, the crude oil is then subject to distillation. Distillation is a process that involves heating the crude oil to specific temperatures, allowing the desired compounds to evaporate and be condensed back into a liquid form. This process of distillation is performed using specialized commercial distillation units such as the CDU 1000.
The distillation process isolates specific compounds, such as THC and CBD, and removes unwanted impurities, resulting in a refined oil or distillate that has a purity of over 90%. The remaining terpenes and other non-THC/CBD compounds have an insignificant effect on the flavor and smell of the final product. This targeting of specific compounds such as THC and CBD, allows for a greater control over the potency of the final product, but less control over the flavor and smell of the product.
Market
As the cannabis market continues to grow, processors are looking for ways to increase the quality of their products and grow their profit margins. With the market raking in $6.7 billion in 2016 in the U.S. and Canada, and projections showing that it is expected to reach $20.2 billion by 2021, processors are eager to stay ahead of the competition.
One way to improve product quality is by using more traditional methods of extraction and isolation. These techniques have been established for many years in other industries such as botanical, chemical and distilled spirits, and have been proven to be effective.
One traditional method used by processors is the use of solvents to extract the desired compounds from the plant material. This method is commonly used to extract THC and CBD, which are the primary compounds responsible for the plant's effects. Solvents such as ethanol, CO2 or butane are used to extract the compounds and the resulting extract is then further purified through the distillation process.
Another traditional method used by processors is CO2 extraction. This method uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperature to extract the desired compounds from the plant material. The CO2 acts as a solvent, but it is non-toxic, non-flammable, and leaves behind no residue, making it a preferred method of extraction.
Additionally, processors can also use chromatography, a technique used to separate and isolate specific compounds from a mixture. This method can be used to isolate specific terpenes, which are responsible for the plant's flavors and smells, and to increase the purity of the final product.
Furthermore, processors can also use rotary evaporator in the distillation process, which allows for a more efficient and precise isolation of the desired compounds and removal of unwanted impurities. This results in a more consistent and pure end product, with a higher concentration of THC and CBD.
Rotary Evaporator and Cannabis Processing
What Is Rotary Evaporator
A rotary evaporator, also known as a rotovap, is a laboratory instrument commonly used for the efficient and gentle removal of solvents from samples. This process is known as evaporation, and it is often used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries.
The rotary evaporator works by heating a mixture of a solvent and sample to a specific temperature, creating a vapor. This vapor is then drawn through a condenser, where it is cooled and condensed back into a liquid form. The condensed liquid, which is now free of the solvent, is collected in a separate container.
One of the key advantages of using a rotary evaporator is the ability to perform the evaporation process under vacuum. This reduces the boiling point of the solvent, allowing it to evaporate at a lower temperature. This not only makes the process more efficient, but it also helps to preserve the integrity of heat-sensitive samples.
Additionally, the rotary evaporator also features a rotating flask that allows for the efficient evaporation of the solvent. The rotation of the flask ensures that the solvent is evenly distributed across the surface, allowing for a more thorough evaporation.
Expand
The rotary evaporator is a versatile and easily scalable instrument, making it an ideal choice for processing cannabis. It is available in a range of sizes, from small bench-top models that can accommodate flasks of up to 5 liters to larger pilot-scale models that can handle flasks of 20 liters and more. This flexibility allows processors to choose the appropriate size of equipment for their specific needs, whether they are processing small or large batches of cannabis.
The scalability of the rotary evaporator also allows processors to easily adapt to changes in demand or production. As the cannabis market continues to grow, processors can scale up their operations by purchasing larger equipment or adding more units to their existing setup, without having to completely overhaul their entire manufacturing process.
Lower boiling point
The rotary evaporator is a valuable tool for cannabis processors because it allows for the efficient and controlled removal of solvents, such as ethanol, from cannabis extracts. This process is performed under vacuum, which reduces the boiling point of the solvent and allows it to evaporate at a lower temperature. This not only makes the process more efficient, but it also helps to preserve the integrity of heat-sensitive samples.
When using a rotary evaporator, the distilling flask is typically filled to 50% of its volume with the solvent-cannabis mixture. The water bath is heated to a temperature of 30-40°C and the condenser temperature, controlled by a recirculating chiller, is set to -10°C to 0°C. The distillation flask is then rotated at a speed of 150-200 rpm. This creates a thin film on the upper surface of the glass cylinder, which increases the solution surface area and enhances the solvent evaporation rate.
Applying an appropriate vacuum to the system, the vacuum pump is used to achieve a target ethanol vapor temperature of 15-20°C. As the ethanol evaporates, it will condense and collect into the distillate flask. Optimizing the parameters of the process, such as the rotation speed and vacuum pressure, allows for easy reproducibility.
Things To Watch
When using a rotary evaporator to process cannabis, it is important to be aware of certain factors that can affect the outcome of the process. One of the key things to watch for is the evaporation rate and the condensation capacity of the recirculating chiller.
It may be tempting to try to increase the evaporation rate by lowering the vacuum and/or increasing the water bath temperature. However, this can cause capacity overload on the condenser and can actually cause the evaporation rate to exceed the condensation capacity of the recirculating chiller. This can lead to ethanol vapor passing through the condenser and into the vacuum pump, which can compromise the quality of the final product.
Cannabis extracts require lower water bath temperatures to minimize thermal decomposition, so it is important to use a chiller with adequate cooling capacity at the low temperatures. A condenser temperature of -10°C to 0°C will require a chiller with adequate cooling capacity at those low temperatures, to ensure that the process is performed in the most efficient and consistent way.
There are other ways to increase throughput while still maintaining quality. There are a variety of options for automatic vacuum control and refilling accessories, both manual and automated, that can be added to rotary evaporators. These accessories can help to increase efficiency and consistency of the process, while minimizing the risk of errors.
How to Choose Rotary Evaporator for Cannabis Distillation
When choosing a rotary evaporator for cannabis distillation, there are several factors to consider:
- Capacity: The first step is to determine the batch size you need to process. You'll want to choose a rotary evaporator with the appropriate capacity to handle your desired batch size.
- Temperature range: Cannabis distillation requires low temperature distillation to minimize thermal decomposition. Choose a rotary evaporator that can operate at the low temperatures necessary for cannabis distillation.
- Vacuum: A rotary evaporator that can achieve and maintain a high vacuum level is important for efficient distillation. Look for models that have a powerful vacuum pump and can achieve a vacuum level of 0.05-0.1 torr.
- Safety features: Safety is always a top priority when working with chemicals and solvents. Look for rotary evaporators that have safety features such as automatic shut-off valves, pressure relief valves, and explosion-proof motors.
- Ease of use: A rotary evaporator that is easy to use will make the distillation process more efficient. Look for models that have a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use controls.
- Automation: Automation can greatly increase the efficiency of the distillation process. Look for models that have automatic control features such as temperature control, vacuum control, and automatic refilling.
- Brand reputation: Look for a reputable brand with a good track record of producing quality rotary evaporators. Research the brands and read reviews from other customers to see which one is the best fit for your needs.
- After-sales service: It is important to choose a brand that offers good after-sales service, in case of any problems or issues.
The choice of rotary evaporator will depend on the specific needs and requirements of your cannabis distillation process. Careful research and consideration of these factors will help you
CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
KINTEK LAB SOLUTION's products and services have been recognized by customers around the world. Our staff will be happy to assist with any inquiry you might have. Contact us for a free consultation and talk to a product specialist to find the most suitable solution for your application needs!
