In the cannabis industry, CO2 extraction is widely used for producing versatile cannabis-based products. With the legalization and increasing demand for cannabis extracts, efficient and high-quality extraction methods are required. CO2 extraction has become increasingly popular due to its ability to produce pure, high-quality extracts without harmful solvents.
As the market expands, producers look for reliable CO2 extraction equipment manufacturers. Here, we discuss the top 3 CO2 extraction equipment manufacturers offering cutting-edge solutions to meet the growing demand for premium extracts.
Isolate Extraction Systems (IES) has established itself as a pioneer in the CO2 extraction industry since 2012. The manufacturer specializes in closed-loop machines for botanical and industrial applications.
Type of CO2 Extraction Equipment
As a leader among supercritical CO2 extraction machine manufacturers, IES offers a comprehensive range of extraction equipment, including subcritical and supercritical CO2 extraction systems. They offer commercial supercritical CO2 extractors for various scales of operation, from small batch processors to large-scale industrial produce.
Products Offered
IES’s portfolio of CO2 extraction systems is divided into two parts: industrial and commercial.
Industrial CO2 extractors:
These extractors are suitable for various industries ranging from cannabis extraction to pharmaceuticals. These equipment use supercritical CO2 for extraction and offer much higher efficiency and safety than solvent-based extraction. You can choose among three models:
- CDMH.200-2x-2f:
It has a capacity of 200 liters and offers a flow rate of 40 kg/min +/-5%. It can process 30-40 pounds of dry material per cycle, making it effective for large-scale productions. - CDMH.100-2x-2f:
It is ideal for medium-scale production with a capacity of 100 liters and a flow rate of 20 kg/min +/-5%. - CMDH.50-2x-2f:
50 liters of capacity, and 7.9 kg/min +/-5%, is the model suitable for small to medium-scale operations.
Commercial CO2 extractors:
This flagship-class of versatile supercritical CO2 extraction systems is designed for high-throughput operations for small and home-based producers. It features advanced automation and precise control over extraction parameters, offering industrial-level capabilities to small producers.
- CMDH.20-2x-2f:
The extraction vessel can hold up to 20 liters of solvent and raw material solution. You can produce 4 – 17.6 lbs (1.8 – 8 kg) in one cycle at a 4 kg/min flow rate +/-5%. - CDMH.10-2X-2F:
It’s an affordable model capable of 10 liters holding and producing at a max flow rate of 2.4 kg/min +/-5%. - CDMH.5-2x-2f:
This model offers 5 liters per extraction vessel capacity for beginners and enthusiasts and a max flow rate of 1.4 kg/min +/-5%.
Each system has IES’s proprietary software, ensuring seamless operation, complete automation, and consistent results.
2. Decimal
Decimal started as the MRX XTractors Brand and ventured into CO2 extraction equipment manufacturing in 2014. The company introduced innovative engineering in its equipment and quickly gained recognition for its cutting-edge designs and commitment to precision. As a top CO2 extraction equipment manufacturer today, it offers some of the best equipment.
Product Range
Decimal offers two models of supercritical CO2 extraction machines – 100.C Extraction System and 20.LE Extraction System.
- 100.C Extraction System:
This flagship model is a testament to Decimal’s engineering prowess and offers 100 liters of combined capacity from dual 50L biomass vessels. It can process 16 – 20 lbs. biomass per run, which is ideal for industrial-scale operations. It also has dual-phase pumping to handle liquid and gas CO2 for superior performance and yield. - 20.LE Extraction System:
This CO2 extractor is capable to handle 9lbs. biomass per run and has a 20L extraction vessel with six CO2 tanks. Its versatile mid-range system balances efficiency and affordability, making it an attractive option for growing businesses.
As one of the most reliable CO2 extraction equipment manufacturers, Decimal offers advanced control software, touch-screen graphic controls, and remote tablet support for all its extractors.
Industry Applications
Decimal’s extraction systems are used across a diverse range of industries:
- Pharmaceuticals: Due to their precision and purity, Decimal CO2 extraction systems are ideal for extracting active pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Cosmetics: The gentle nature of CO2 extraction preserves delicate compounds, making it perfect for creating high-quality cosmetic products.
- Food and Beverage: Given the systems’ versatility, they can be used in the food and beverage industry for several processes ranging from decaffeination to flavor extraction.
- Cannabis and Hemp: One of the main focuses of Decimal’s target market is the cannabis industry. Their equipment can efficiently extract cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Essential Oils: The preservation of volatile compounds during extraction makes Decimal’s equipment a go-to choice for essential oil producers.
Quality Assurance
The company commits to quality and follows rigorous quality control measures, earning certifications including:
- ASME Certification: This demonstrates that Decimal products meet the highest safety, quality, and reliability standards.
- cGMP Compliance: Decimal CO2 extraction equipment is designed to meet Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations, crucial for pharmaceutical and food applications.
- UL Certification: Underlining the safety and reliability of their electrical systems, all their devices have UL Certification.
- CE Marking: Indicating compliance with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards, Decimal products can be imported to Europe, too.
3. Buffalo Extraction Systems
Buffalo Extraction Systems is a cornerstone name of the cannabis industry in the United States. Offering turnkey solutions, they help companies establish their extraction as per euGMP/21CFR Part 11 norms. In 2021, Buffalo Extraction Systems partnered with Cybernetik Technologies, a prominent Indian industrial automation company, to enhance their Supercritical Fluid CO2 Extraction systems.
Product Features
The company offers a range of CO2 extraction equipment designed to meet diverse needs. It offers four types of CO2 extractors:
- Lab Level:
Those experimenting with CO2 extraction can use Buffalo’s pilot scale 2L equipment, offering full automation. - Level 1:
These 5/10 L models are ideal for supercritical fluid CO2 extraction for THC and high valve CBD crude oil extraction. - Level 2:
You can install Buffalo Extraction Systems’ Level 2 Supercritical Fluid CO2 Extraction Systems for medium to large-scale operations. They offer 25/50 L capacity and are suitable for pure, precise, and targeted extraction of organic compounds. - Level 3:
The largest of all models, Level 3 CO2 extractors offer 100/200/500 L capacities, making them suitable for industrial-scale extraction.
Key features across Buffalo’s product line include:
- Automated process control, such as extractor changeover valves
- CE / U / U2 / cGMP ASME / BPE / UL / SIL-3 certified equipment
- CO2 feeding & recovery system
- Easy-to-clean design
- Scalable architectures to grow with your business
Innovative Approaches
Buffalo Extraction Systems, partnering with Cybernetik Technologies, offers innovations in their equipment, making them one of the top supercritical CO2 extraction machine manufacturers. This includes:
- Using automation for precise pressure control to maintain consistent solvent solubility
- Maximizing extraction efficiency by maintaining steady flow control
- IoT connectivity for remote monitoring and control
- Sustainable design incorporating energy-recovery systems and using eco-friendly materials
If you are looking for CO2 extraction equipment manufacturers, you can choose from one of these top three companies. Their innovations demonstrate their commitment to offering the best extraction technology, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the field.
How to Choose a CO2 Extraction Equipment Manufacturer
To explore the market and understand the right approach to select the proper CO2 extraction equipment manufacturer. It is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business’s success.
Here are key factors to consider:
1. Equipment Quality and Reliability
Without quality and reliability, no CO2 extraction equipment is worth consideration. Look for manufacturers with a proven track record of producing durable, high-performance systems. Companies using durable materials like pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel and precision components will always offer better products.
2. Technology and Innovation
Choose manufacturers who invest in research and development in CO2 extraction. Check the frequency of product updates and new releases they offer.
3. Customization Options
You do not have to settle for the options; supercritical CO2 extraction machine manufacturers can tailor equipment to your needs. Choose manufacturers willing to create custom solutions.
4. Safety and Compliance
Safety is a critical concern due to the high pressures involved in CO2 extraction. Only choose an equipment manufacturer that meets necessary safety certifications such as UL, CE, and ASME.
5. Cost vs. Value
While initial cost is an essential factor, it’s crucial to consider the total value proposition. Ensure you know the operating costs, such as the equipment’s energy consumption and CO2 usage. Maintenance and service costs can also be significant.
Conclusion
The CO2 extraction equipment industry is witnessing remarkable growth with innovative introductions driven by the expanding cannabis and essential oils markets. Isolate Extraction Systems (IES), Decimal, and Buffalo Extraction Systems remain the top CO2 extraction equipment manufacturers. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction puts them at the forefront of the industry.
