THC Extraction Machine
The industry of CBD and THC extraction continues to grow in popularity and profitability. As advances in extraction continue, the need for a high quality THC extraction machine is critical for any producer. As with any plant oil extractor, the best THC extraction machine uses a high power solvent to strip the plant of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant materials. This being said, not all extraction methods are equal with some solvents posing potential risks both for consumers and producers.
THC extraction has become a somewhat complicated and technical process, but it doesn’t have to be a stopgap for extractors. This article will discuss the new and improving science of the latest THC extraction machine, how THC extraction is performed, and how extraktLAB’s supercritical CO2 extractors are the best possible option for serious producers looking to take their business to the next level.
What is THC Extraction
The process of extracting THC is similar to other extraction processes like essential oils. In the case of a typical THC extraction machine, solvents like hydrocarbons, ethanol or CO2 are used to strip cannabinoids, terpenes and other plant components from the biomass. This is the very first step in creating THC extract products like dabs, edibles, tinctures, and others. Depending on the scale and desired outcome of the extraction process, a THC extraction machine could look and perform in varying ways.
At Home THC Extraction Machine: In its smallest scale, THC extraction can be done with very simple at home equipment. For example, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a very simple extract using very little equipment. A THC extraction machine in this case would simply be a jar to contain ethanol and biomass, a funnel and filter, and something like a rice cooker to slowly decarboxylate and remove remaining solvents. This creates a potent THC extract intended for consumption often in medicinal settings.
Ethanol/Hydrocarbon THC Extraction Machine: Some larger scale extractors are designed specifically for ethanol extraction, a powerful extraction solvent in and of itself. Due to the volatile nature of ethanol, these extractors are often designed to safely operate with the flammability requirements of an ethanol extraction. The same can be said of hydrocarbon extractors which often operate with the same ramifications in place.
CO2 THC extraction machine: Designed specifically for Supercritical, or Subcritical CO2 extraction, this form of THC extraction machine is not applicable to a small-scale home extraction setting, but is a phenomenal option for larger scale applications in industrial THC extraction. Because CO2 is a far cheaper extraction solvent ethanol or hydrocarbons, and is far less dangerous for both producers and consumers, CO2 extraction is often the safest most efficient option for large scale THC Extraction.
Guide to a THC Extraction Machine
extraktLAB’s line of supercritical CO2 extractors are the highest in quality, efficiency and GMP compliance in the hemp extraction industry. With several models available, there is a machine for every extraction business’ needs.
How to Use THC Extraction Equipment
When it comes to THC extraction, the general principle remains the same throughout: take desired plant components and concentrate them into formulable extracts. The difference often depends on the THC extraction machine used, and the method by which extraction is accomplished. In simple terms, using THC extraction equipment works like this in the extraktLAB supercritical CO2 extraction setup.
- Grind biomass to desirable texture
- Decarboxylate biomass to activate THC-A to THC and collect valuable terpenes via cold trap. This is an optional step as some extractors decarboxylate during the extraction process; however, terpenes are then subjected to damage through heat and pressure often degrading them by the time they reach product formulation.
- Extraction of biomass using supercritical CO2 extraction. This process uses heated and pressurized CO2 to mix with biomass and pull desired cannabinoids into a crude oil. This oil is in need of further refinement for product formulation.
- Winterize and filter crude oil to remove fats, waxes and other impurities using ethanol and subzero temperatures to remove insoluble compounds from the remaining mixture before being filtered.
- Remove remaining solvents using rotary evaporation or falling film evaporation. After using ethanol to winterize extracted crude oil, the evaporation of remaining ethanol solvents is important to create a safe, quality product for consumers.
- Final distillation is needed to completely remove any remaining solvents, terpenes, chlorophylls and any other undesirable components using wiped film evaporation. This results in a beautiful, clear-gold distillate that is then ready for product formulation.
Each step in this process has its own set of rules and operating procedures critical for an efficient extraction setup. Learning these principles takes plenty of time and can be daunting. However, extraktLAB has the answers for these concerns from upfront costs to long-term profitability in a CO2 extraction facility.
THC Extraction Equipment Cost and Support
The cost of a CO2 THC Extraction Machine can be daunting at first, until it is compared to the overall long-term profitability of a CO2 extraction setup. For example, CO2 as an extraction solvent is much less costly than ethanol making long-term upfront solvent use and recycling costs are exponentially less than other extraction methods.
In an effort to create a seamless, productive cost efficient extraction setup, extraktLAB offers total solutions for extraction equipment, services, and software. extraktLAB is your one source for turnkey, GMP-compliant manufacturing solutions for the extraction industry. Whether you’re processing marijuana or hemp into refined oils, our total solution approach takes the risk out of startup while optimizing your manufacturing line for long-term growth and success.
With the most comprehensive manufacturing solution offering in the extraction industry, extraktLAB can configure, design, engineer and commission a turnkey GMP manufacturing solution for you – on time and on budget. The manufacturing process has several steps before and after the actual extraction of oils from biomass. Pre-extraction processes prepare the biomass for efficient extraction. Post-extraction processes further refine the extracted THC and CBD oils for various products and market segments.
Everything You Need to know about an Oil Extractor
Can CO2 be used to extract other botanicals? The answer is yes. A Supercritical CO2 extraction setup is essentially just an oil extractor. For this reason, CO2 has been historically used to extract many different kinds of biomass. The most famous and successful industrial process for CO2 extraction is the coffee decaffeination process.
However there are many other essential oil extracts that are used in the supplements industry that utilize a CO2 oil extractor. One good example of this is found in hops. Hops are used to brew beer and add flavor to beer. An oil extractor is used to extract the essential bitter flavor from the hops so that the flavors can be blended and preserved.
The essential oil industry is also commonplace for an oil extractor like these. While some may use ethanol, others often use CO2. The process is nearly identical to a THC extraction machine with only minor details altered depending on the biomass used to create the essential oil extract. Either way, it is clear that an oil extractor is not alien technology and is commonly used in a number of different industries.
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