Tech Team · Kintek Solution

Short path distillation is a method used to isolate and purify cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, from crude cannabis or hemp oil. This process involves heating the oil to vaporize specific compounds based on their boiling points, then condensing and collecting these vapors to produce a highly pure distillate. The technique is particularly useful for CBD because it can be conducted under reduced pressure (vacuum), which lowers the boiling points and prevents heat degradation of the CBD.

Detailed Explanation:

1. Process Overview: Short path distillation is a distillation technique that involves the separation of components in a liquid mixture through heating and cooling. This method is particularly effective for separating cannabinoids because each compound has a unique boiling point. By carefully controlling the temperature, specific cannabinoids can be selectively vaporized and collected.

2. Operational Details: The process begins with crude cannabis or hemp oil being heated in a boiling flask. As the temperature rises, different compounds reach their boiling points and vaporize. These vapors travel a short distance to a condensing head, which is cooled using a recirculating chiller. The cooled condensing head causes the vapors to condense back into liquid form, which is then collected in separate vessels.

3. Fractionation: The collected distillate is divided into fractions based on the boiling points of the compounds. The main fraction contains THC and CBD, the heads fraction contains terpenes and other high volatility compounds, and the tails fraction contains other high boiling point cannabinoids. This separation allows for the collection of specific compounds with high purity.

4. Advantages of Low Pressure (Vacuum): CBD is sensitive to heat and can degrade at high temperatures. By conducting the distillation under a vacuum, the pressure is reduced, which lowers the boiling points of the compounds. This allows for the separation of CBD at lower temperatures, preserving its integrity and increasing the yield of high-purity CBD.

5. Application and Industry Use: Short path distillation is a valuable technique for the cannabis and hemp industry as it produces high-quality, pure distillates that can be used in various products such as vape pens, topicals, edibles, and more. Despite its limited scale and production volume, it is a cost-effective method for processors looking to enter the market with a high-quality product.

6. Expertise Required: The process requires skilled laboratory personnel due to the precise control needed over temperature, pressure, and material input. Proper operation ensures the highest purity and prevents degradation of the valuable cannabinoids.

In summary, short path distillation is a sophisticated method for purifying cannabinoids from cannabis or hemp oil, offering a way to produce high-purity products while minimizing the degradation of sensitive compounds like CBD.

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