In the cannabis industry, hydrocarbon extraction has emerged as one of the most efficient and versatile methods for separating compounds from plants. If you are an enthusiast or an aspiring manufacturer exploring hydrocarbon extraction, we will provide details about the method, its benefits, and its process.
The hydrocarbon extraction method utilizes solvents like butane and propane to extract compounds, and due to its high efficiency, it is used across industries, from essential oils to pharmaceuticals. In the cannabis industry, the popularity of hydrocarbon extraction THC, in particular, has grown significantly. It is due to its ability to produce high-quality cannabis concentrates while preserving crucial compounds.
Hydrocarbon extraction uses hydrocarbon solvents to separate or concentrate desired compounds from raw plant material. The core of the process is based on the ability of hydrocarbons to effectively isolate specific molecules without compromising their integrity.
Hydrocarbon extraction primarily utilizes butane or propane, each with distinct advantages. These solvents have a low boiling point and can effectively dissolve desired compounds while leaving behind unwanted plant material. This method is particularly effective for extracting oil-soluble compounds, including terpenes, cannabinoids, and other cannabis extracts. The hydrocarbon extract produced through this method is known for its exceptional purity and potency.
Propane and butane are nonpolar hydrocarbons and can effectively dissolve nonpolar compounds from plant material. This selective dissolution allows for the precise extraction of desired compounds while leaving water-soluble components and other undesirable substances behind. Also, the low boiling points of hydrocarbon solvents (butane: -0.5°C, propane: -42°C) enable extraction at lower temperatures, which helps preserve heat-sensitive compounds.
Advantages of Hydrocarbon Extraction
There are several reasons why the hydrocarbon extraction method is preferred in the industry. The key advantages of this method include the following:
- High Efficiency and Yield:
Hydrocarbon solvents have superior extraction rates to other methods, often achieving 90%+ efficiency. Also, the hydrocarbon extraction method is suitable for commercial operations as it can process large quantities, typically 10-20 pounds per hour, with minimal waste production due to modern closed-loop systems.
- Retention of Terpenes and Cannabinoids:
Due to low-temperature processing, the method can preserve delicate compounds like terpenes. Manufacturers can maintain natural ratios of cannabinoids in the extracts, resulting in a more authentic final product.
- Cost-Effectiveness:
Hydrocarbon extraction has lower operating costs than other methods, such as CO2 extraction. Maintaining critical temperature is unnecessary as the system operates at low temperatures. This reduces energy consumption through efficient processing. Also, the initial equipment is low, and automation capabilities like those offered by Root Sciences equipment further reduce labour costs.
- Versatility:
You can use hydrocarbon extraction for various raw materials, including cannabis, hemp, and botanical products. The process can be scaled easily for operations from small batch to industrial. Also, the single setup offers multiple end-product possibilities due to customizable parameters such as temperature and pressure.
- Speed:
Hydrocarbon extraction is one of the fastest processes. It can rapidly process large batches, reducing production time. Also, Root Sciences equipment offers quick solvent recovery and minimal downtime between batches.
Types of Hydrocarbon Extraction Methods and Resulting Extracts
There are several hydrocarbon extraction methods, each resulting in a different kind of extract. Depending on your requirements, you can choose from one of the following extraction methods:
- Butane Extraction:
The most common type of hydrocarbon extraction method primarily used for THC production is butane extraction. The process occurs at -0.5°C to 30°C and 15-30 PSI pressure. The process uses the closed-loop system and 99.9%+ pure n-butane as the solvent. A typical setup has multiple recovery stages for higher yield and vacuum purge finishing.
This method offers superior terpene preservation and is commonly used to produce cannabis concentrates, essential oils, and botanical extracts.
- Propane Extraction:
An alternative to butane extraction is the propane extraction method that takes place at -42°C to 20°C and 100-150 PSI pressure and uses 99.5%+ pure propane. Propane extraction is preferred for its faster extraction times but requires higher operating pressure. Specialized equipment is necessary to maintain higher pressure levels.
This hydrocarbon extraction method suits high-end concentrates, food-grade extractions, and aromatic compound isolation.
- Mixed Hydrocarbon Systems:
Butane/Propane blends in custom ratios are used for more tailored extraction profiles. Mixed hydrocarbon systems are used for temperature-specific extraction to optimize efficiency and enhance compound selection.
Resulting Extract Types and Characteristics
Depending on the type of hydrocarbon extraction method you will use, you will end up with one of the following extracts:
- Shatter: This extract has glass-like consistency and translucent appearance. It gets its name because it shatters when pressure is applied. Shatter is stable at room temperature and has 60-90% THC content. Its high terpene profile and minimal lipid content make it suitable for several applications.
- Wax/Budder: Characterized by its opaque appearance and creamy consistency, wax has a malleable texture. It has 65-85% THC content and a high terpene profile. Its diverse cannabinoid profile makes it useful for edibles and aromatherapy products.
- Live Resin: Produced using fresh-frozen cannabis material, the live resin has the highest terpene content and a full-spectrum profile. However, production requires specialized equipment and precise temperature control.
- Sauce/HTFSE (High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract): Another common extract type is the sauce, which has a crystalline structure with a liquid terpene fraction. THC content in sauce or HTFSE can be as high as 90-99%, but terpene content is usually limited to 15-35%. Due to its full cannabinoid spectrum, it produces an enhanced entourage effect.
These extracts find applications across industries, from cannabis products to essential oils and pharmaceuticals.
Step-by-Step Hydrocarbon Extraction Process
A typical hydrocarbon extraction process has several key stages. Here are the steps involved in the process:
1. Preparation:
The process starts with the selection and quality assessment of the raw material. For processing, cannabis plant material is ground or sized and then goes through temperature conditioning to reduce its water content. Extraction equipment is adequately cleaned and sterilized.
2. Extraction:
The hydrocarbon solvent is introduced into the system at this stage, mixing with the raw material for primary extraction. The contact time is 15-45 minutes at -5 to 5°C and 30-50 PSI pressure. This step results in the initial separation of the extract solution. Then active extraction takes place when the solvent-to-material ratio is maintained at 4:1 to 8:1 for up to 90 minutes at controlled temperature and pressure, depending on the type of compound being targeted.
After this step, the solvent-extract mixture is collected at -10 to 10°C and 20-40 PSI pressure in a collection chamber.
3. Separation and Purification:
The extracted solution is then filtered to remove particulates. Mechanical filtration is used, followed by carbon filtration and inline dewaxing. Dewaxing is optional if the final extract has high wax or lipid content. The next step is solvent removal. It uses vacuum pumps operating at -28 to -29.5 inHg to remove solvent.
4. Post-Processing:
The final extract is tested for quality and purity and, if required, can go through post-processing for higher purity. This step involves vacuum purging, decarboxylation, and terpene reintroduction, depending on the product profile needed.
Hydrocarbon Extraction Equipment by Root Sciences
At Root Sciences, we provide a range of advanced hydrocarbon extraction equipment designed to meet the diverse needs of the cannabis industry. Our equipment offers scalability, efficiency, and robust safety features, ensuring high-quality extracts. Here’s how each piece fits into your extraction process:
miniMeP: This compact system minimizes reinvestment costs when scaling up your operation. With a 10-liter capacity, it allows for processing up to 5 pounds of material per run, achieving a throughput of up to 40 pounds every 8 hours. Its scalability makes it ideal for smaller operations looking to expand.
MEGA-miniMeP: The MEGA-miniMeP is the next step for more substantial needs, featuring a 20-liter material capacity. This unit processes up to 17.5 pounds of material per hour, using multiple recovery pump solutions for efficient operation. It’s perfect for those who need a versatile, high-performance solution.
MeP 30: The MeP 30 offers unmatched versatility with a range of run sizes from 1 to 15 pounds. Its 10-30 liter capacity allows for high throughput, processing over 15 pounds of material per hour. This model can handle more than 150 pounds in an 8-hour shift, revolutionizing production in hydrocarbon extraction.
MeP XT70: The MeP XT70 represents the pinnacle of high-capacity extraction, with a 70-liter material capacity and independent material columns for continuous processing. It can process 30 pounds of material per hour using propane, butane, and blended solvents, making it ideal for producing high-quality concentrates.
MeP XLE: For ultra-high-capacity needs, the MeP XLE provides a versatile material capacity ranging from 50 to 300 liters. It’s designed to handle the demands of the modern cannabis industry, featuring the HFFE Hydrocarbon Falling Film Evaporator by ETS for efficient solvent recovery.
Each of these systems from Root Sciences is equipped with advanced safety features such as gas detection systems, emergency shutoff controls, and effective ventilation systems, ensuring a safe working environment during extraction processes.
Find the Ideal Hydrocarbon Extraction Equipment for Your Business
Safety and Compliance Standards in Hydrocarbon Extraction
As mentioned, the safety of operations remains paramount for hydrocarbon extraction methods. Here are the best practices to ensure safety:
- Proper ventilation of the facilities with gas detection mechanisms
- Explosion-proof electrical systems to prevent accidents
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure safety at all times
- Regular equipment maintenance and checks
- Operator training and certification for all workers
- Emergency response protocols and regular mock drills
- Compliance with local and federal regulations regarding equipment inspection and staff readiness
Explore the certification requirements of your facility. Proper training and standardized operation practices ensure your product is high in all batches. It also ensures that workers understand the standard operating procedures and don’t risk their or other’s safety.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Quality Control and Testing
Quality assurance in hydrocarbon extraction is a crucial stage. Your product is consumption-ready once it is appropriately quality-tested using the standardized testing protocols. Your end product must go through potency analysis and residual solvent testing. Also, products like isolates must be analyzed for terpene. Contamination screening is an industry standard; all products must have stability testing and a Certificate of Analysis (COA) report.
The Future of Hydrocarbon Extraction
As cannabis products are getting popular and more states are legalizing them, the future of hydrocarbon extraction looks promising. The industry’s future includes technological advancements such as adopting automated systems integration, real-time monitoring capabilities, and advanced safety features.
Hydrocarbon extraction is also expanding beyond the cannabis industry as new product development opportunities are becoming possible. Other emerging trends include novel solvent combinations, improved recovery systems, and smart technology integration.
Conclusion
Hydrocarbon extraction is one of the most efficient and popular methods. From cannabis processing to pharmaceutical production, several industries use this method for high-quality extract production. It offers a combination of efficiency, quality, and versatility for producing several types of products. As technology advances and regulations mature, we can expect to see innovations in the technique improvements in this field.
