Your Trusted Source for Cannabis Distillation Equipment
Root Sciences’ distillation plants, designed and manufactured by VTA in Germany, are intended explicitly for processing cannabis and hemp crude oil. Our expertly engineered equipment is renowned for its reliability and efficiency, producing a high-quality distillate suitable for various market products, including edibles, concentrates, and topicals. Our cannabis distillation equipment includes a short path evaporator with an internal condenser, a cold trap, discharge systems for distillate and residue, and a heating and vacuum system. The main components on select units are made of Borosilicate glass, allowing a clear view of concentrates during the distillation process. With a focus on innovation and accuracy, our cannabis distillation systems ensure optimal performance and consistent results.
Wiped-Film Short Path Distillation Equipment
Lab Scale
The VKL 70-S, the opening model in our VTA line, is the ideal industrial distillation center for cannabis and hemp processing. Designed for efficiency and reliability, the VKL 70-S is perfect for businesses looking to scale their operations. When choosing a suitable machine, the first metric is the amount of material you want to process per shift. The VKL 70-S excels in this regard, yielding an impressive four to five liters of high-quality distillate per shift.
Designed and manufactured in Germany, the VKL 75 is expertly engineered to produce high-quality distillate suitable for a wide variety of market products. As one of the most economical options available, the VKL 75 offers reliable, non-stop production of high-potency distillate, making it an excellent choice for businesses aiming to enhance their efficiency and output. This robust unit yields an impressive four to five liters of distillate per shift, ensuring consistent and efficient processing.
Commercial Scale
The VKL 85 is a premier fully glass wiped-film unit designed for high-capacity, continuous production of superior cannabinoid distillate. Known for its reliability and efficiency, the VKL 85 boasts one of the highest throughputs on the market, typically processing 3.3 liters per hour with a maximum capacity of 4.25 liters per hour. Manufactured in Germany, this machine is engineered to deliver exceptional distillate quality, making it ideal for a wide range of market products.
The VKS 90-S is one of the most economical mid-sized options for the reliable production of valuable cannabinoid distillate. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the VKS 90-S yields around twelve liters of distillate per shift, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking efficient and consistent production.
The VKS 95 is a top-tier wiped-film unit designed for reliable, continuous production of high-quality cannabinoid distillate. It meets high-volume processing needs with a throughput capability of up to 14.27 liters per hour. The fully jacketed system ensures consistent heating, while the true continuous feed feature allows precise control over operation. Discover how the VKS 95 can revolutionize your distillation process and enhance production efficiency.
Industrial Scale
The VKS 125 is one of the largest commercial cannabis distillation units on the market, offering high customization options such as integrated advanced controls and multiple distillation stages. With its impressive throughput capability of up to 20 liters per hour and a fully jacketed system, this machine guarantees a seamless and continuous operation. Discover the unparalleled capabilities of the VKS 125 and elevate your production efficiency.
At the top of Root Sciences’ standardized line is the VK 200-40, boasting the ability to produce approximately 280 liters of distillate per shift. As the flagship offering in the VTA lineup, this advanced cannabis distillation equipment is ideal for processors requiring extra-large production capacities. The VK 200-40 operates in semi-automatic mode, ensuring unparalleled efficiency and output.
Root Sciences offers custom-built VTA equipment options tailored to any scale of processing operations. Our cannabis distillation machines can be customized to meet the specific needs of even the largest processing facilities. Whether you require specialized features or unique configurations, our build-to-suit solutions ensure that your equipment is perfectly aligned with your production goals.
| Model | VKL 70-S | VKL 75 | VKL 85 | VKS 90-S | VKS 95 | VKS 125 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approximate Biomass Input (lb/shift) | 100-200 | 100-200 | 220-440 | 250-500 | 400-800 | 1,100-2,200 |
| Typical Throughput (L/h) | 1.3 | 1.3 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 5.5 | 15.0 |
| Evaporator Surface Area (m²) | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.15 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.20 |
| Evaporator Material | Glass | Glass | Glass | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Cold Trap Design | Single | Single | Single | Dual | Dual | Dual |
| Discharge Pumps | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Electrical | 1Φ 230 V, 60 Hz | 1Φ 230 V, 60 Hz | 1Φ 230 V, 60 Hz | 1Φ 230 V, 60 Hz | 1Φ 230 V, 60 Hz | 3Φ 230 V, 60 Hz 3Φ 460 V, 60 Hz |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 6.6’ x 2.3’ x 6.6’ | 6.86’ x 2’ x 7.41’ | 7.2’ x 2.0’ x 7.5’ | 8.4’ x 3.3’ x 6.7’ | 8.2’ x 2.4’ x 6.5’ | 8.7’ x 4.1’ x 9.5’ |
Wiped-film short-path distillation is a highly efficient and continuous process designed for the purification of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, from crude extracts. Unlike traditional distillation methods, wiped-film distillation employs a mechanical wiper to spread the extract into a thin film across a heated surface, which facilitates rapid evaporation. The vacuum environment reduces the boiling points of the cannabinoids and other compounds, allowing for distillation at much lower temperatures. This significantly reduces the risk of thermal degradation, preserving the potency and purity of the cannabinoids throughout the process.
The thin-film evaporation ensures that volatile compounds are quickly separated from heavier molecules, producing a high-purity distillate in less time compared to batch processes. This makes wiped-film distillation especially suited for large-scale operations that require high throughput without sacrificing product quality. It’s also versatile, capable of processing a wide range of cannabis and hemp feedstocks, making it a preferred method for manufacturers producing both THC and CBD distillates.
Additionally, this method can handle a variety of crude extracts, including those with impurities like lipids and solvents, which are effectively removed in the process. Wiped-film distillation also offers the advantage of continuous operation, reducing downtime and improving production efficiency. With its combination of precision, speed, and scalability, wiped-film short-path distillation has become an industry standard for producers aiming to create high-purity, high-potency cannabis products.
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Capacity and Scale:
Assess your production needs by considering the volume of distillate you aim to produce. Equipment is available in various capacities, from benchtop units for small-scale laboratory use to industrial-sized systems for large-scale production. -
Type of Distillation:
Decide between short-path and wiped film distillation equipment based on your specific needs. Short-path distillation is suitable for smaller quantities and high-purity applications, while wiped film distillation is better for larger scale operations and continuous processing. -
Efficiency and Recovery Rates:
Look for equipment that offers high cannabinoid recovery rates to maximize output and minimize waste. Efficiency in heat management and condensation can also significantly affect the quality of the final product. -
Purity and Potency:
Consider equipment that consistently produces a high-purity and potent distillate. This is particularly important if you are producing products for medical use where quality and consistency are critical. -
Versatility:
Some distillation setups offer flexibility to process different types of extracts. If you plan to produce both THC and CBD distillates, look for a system that can accommodate various feedstocks and solvents. -
Maintenance and Durability:
Opt for equipment that is built with high-quality materials and is designed for easy cleaning and maintenance to ensure long-term reliability and performance. -
Technical Support and Warranty:
Ensure the manufacturer provides excellent customer support and a strong warranty. Technical support can be invaluable for troubleshooting and optimizing the distillation process.
The VKL wiped film distillation system has several advantages like
- Continuous Feed
- Short Residence Time
- High Evaporation Rates
- Low Processing Temperatures
- Compact Design
- Cannabinoid Separation
- Automated Controls
- Fully Jacketed System
- What is wiped-film short path distillation?
Wiped-film short path distillation is a continuous distillation process used to purify and separate cannabinoids from crude extracts. It operates under vacuum to lower the boiling point of compounds, preserving delicate cannabinoids while efficiently removing unwanted compounds like lipids, solvents, and impurities. - How does wiped-film distillation differ from other distillation methods?
Wiped-film distillation offers a higher throughput and continuous operation compared to traditional short-path distillation. It also excels at processing large quantities of material while minimizing product degradation, making it ideal for large-scale operations. - What type of products can be processed using wiped-film distillation?
Wiped-film distillation is commonly used for processing cannabis and hemp extracts into high-purity THC or CBD distillates. It can also be applied to other natural oils, essential oils, and plant extracts. - What are the benefits of wiped-film distillation for cannabinoid processing?
This distillation method offers a high level of cannabinoid recovery, excellent purity, and potency. It also minimizes the risk of thermal degradation and allows for continuous, high-volume processing. - What materials are compatible with wiped-film distillation?
Wiped-film distillation equipment can handle various feedstocks, including crude cannabis oil, hemp oil, and other botanical extracts. The system is versatile and can process both THC and CBD distillates. - How does vacuum affect the distillation process?
The vacuum reduces the boiling point of the compounds being separated, allowing for efficient distillation at lower temperatures. This prevents degradation of sensitive cannabinoids and improves the overall quality of the distillate. - What factors should I consider when choosing a wiped-film distillation system?
Key factors include the capacity and scale of your production, the type of cannabinoids you’re processing, and the desired throughput. You should also consider the system’s efficiency, ease of maintenance, and technical support availability. - How do I maintain and clean a wiped-film distillation system?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of the equipment. Many systems come with automated cleaning features, and it’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning schedules and procedures. - What is the difference between short-path distillation and wiped-film distillation?
Short-path distillation is typically a batch process used for smaller volumes, whereas wiped-film distillation is a continuous process ideal for large-scale operations. Wiped-film distillation also provides faster processing and better thermal control, which leads to higher purity products. - Is technical support available for wiped-film distillation equipment?
Yes, reputable manufacturers provide ongoing technical support, including training, troubleshooting, and maintenance services, to ensure optimal operation of your distillation system.
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