The Process of Isolation and Distillation during the Cannabis Distillation Process
The last phases of making a cannabis oil extract manufactured utilizing the dried plant in crude extract include distillation and isolation.
Winterization is a step that takes place after the extract has been generated. Fatty acids and other plant components are removed from the extract during winterization, and it is subsequently decarboxylated to activate the required chemicals.
Distillation can now begin after the winterization process is complete. Because THC and CBD have different boiling points, they can be separated by precisely heating them under pressure to the boiling point of the desired cannabinoid. The boiling point of THC, for example, is 157 degrees Celsius.
When isolating for THC, the temperature during distillation would be set to 157 degrees Celsius to ensure that THC is the only chemical extracted from the extract. Distillation converts the desired component to a vapor, condenses, and is stored.
Because the separated component is a proportion of the extract, this method is called “fractional distillation.” Players in the Cannabis and Hemp industries can use fractional distillation to separate specific components or eliminate particular compounds from the extract. Compounds that have been isolated can be reassembled to generate new mixtures.
The distillation process used to be primarily a lab activity, but technology has progressed to the point that an industrial approach is now possible. Instead of being manual, the operation can now be automated.
Problems and faults that commonly occur during the distillation of cannabinoids
Although distillates are the newest potential moneymaker, this does not mean that getting into the business is simple. The first common blunder made by prospective distillate makers is not having correctly qualified personnel running the equipment. This blunder could set off a chain reaction of production mishaps. The product must be appropriately set up and operated.
“It is critical that all of the vacuum controls and recommended temperature are accurate for the elements of the equipment being used” says Thomas Roland, CEO of Houdini Lab. “Failure to maintain temperature and vacuum control on any element of the device will result in the distillate being destroyed by heat or the distillate becomes impure due to oxidation.”
Another issue that can arise during the distillation process is safety and purity concerns. Some buyers may be hesitant to trust the distillate as a natural product with all industrial and mechanical operations.
How to avoid these types of issues
There will be issues with every business opportunity. There is always a solution to reduce or eliminate potential problems. In the case of distillation and isolation, proper operations, and management, as in many industries, will result in a much better production experience.
The risk of production errors is considerably reduced by an educated operations manager who understands what needs to be done during the distillation process.
Third party lab testing can alleviate concerns about safety and purity, such as using a licensed laboratory to test the product which ensure buyers that the product is of high quality and safe.
If you have more questions on the cannabis distillation processes, contact Houdini Lab info@houdinilab.com ; our group of professionals would be happy to assist you.