Reflux is the return of condensed distillation vapor to the boiling flask. Reflux ratio is the ratio of the condensate returned to the boiling flask to the condensate being collected in the receiver. The reflux ratio is accomplished using a reflux valve in a “seat” over the take off point. When the reflux valve is […]
Condensate is a by product of raw natural gas composed of light hydrocarbons which can be condensed when below their dew point. There are 3 primary sources of condensate. Crude oil wells – natural gas can exist in a pocket on top of the crude oil or may be dissolved in the crude oil. Dry […]
High levels of water in crude oil make fractional distillation difficult. Water has a hard time vaporizing from the boiling flask and getting through the distillation column packing. Water drops in the distillation column head causes fluctuation in the vapor temperature causing inaccurate vapor temperature readings. D2892 requires that crude oil samples have 0.3% water […]
Various types of crude cannabis extract can be successfully distilled into high purity cannabinoid distillate. With that in mind, it’s critical that the crude always be properly prepared prior to a vacuum distillation process. Depending on the type of extract being distilled, this can include one or more post-extraction steps, such as: Rough particulate […]
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a naturally occurring isomer of THC found in cannabis plants. It’s psychoactive effects are well known. While delta-9-THC is the most abundant isomer of THC, there is interest in the lesser studied delta-8-THC isomer. IUPAC Naming Convention The diagram below has numbered positions on the top left ring structure. If the […]
Tired of chasing vacuum leaks, streaks and residual terpene smell in your THC distillate? Try spinning band distillation on your crude extract. No leaks Stop chasing vacuum leaks and using globs of messy vacuum grease (vacuum grease is not food grade). Spinning band distillation uses o-ring joints that are vacuum tight with every use. […]
Carbon scrubs and other filter media for cannabis oil extracts Carbon scrubs can be used to remove color from cannabis oil extract and THC distillate. Other materials are also used as filter media such as diatomaceous earth, fullers earth, bentonite, kaolinite and alumina silicate. While filter media may remove color from cannabinoids, it may […]
Short Path Distillation – Just Getting Started Short path distillation is an entry level system for making THC distillate from crude extract. Its simplicity and low cost make it attractive to those new to making distillates. Making THC distillate with the short path is exciting at first but in time the excitement can turn to […]
Keep it clean. High quality THC distillate should be odorless. It doesn’t take much terpene to give a whole batch of an off smell. Proper cleaning of the distillation system between batches will get rid of any lingering terpenes after distillation. Clean the Distillation Column in Place With spinning band distillation, ethanol can be […]
How do different methods of distillation stack up against each other? System (Size) Distillation Rate Liters of Distillate Number of Passes Final Purity Total Time Short Path 1 (Average) 0.5 L/hr 10 L 2 90% 40 Hours Short Path 2 (Large) 1 L/hr 10 L 2 90% 20 Hours Wiped Film 1 […]