How to Get the Best CO2 CBD Oil Extraction Process?

4 EXTRACTION PARAMETERS OF CBD OIL CO2 EXTRACTION PROCESS

Extraction parameters will determine not only the type, quality, and yield of a cannabis extract, but also the ease and cost of the extraction process.

Supercritical co2 extraction cannabis (weeds) typically choose to start parameters in the 45-60 deg C range and pressures ranging from 3000 to 5000 psi range and then run trials for their particular feedstock and desired final product.

Once the desired extract for the specific feedstock, the experiment is to find the appropriate flow rate to facilitate processing (as quick as possible without icing up, clogging lines, or causing channeling).

Finally, look at solvent-to-feed rates to balance out the completeness of the extraction (yield) versus the extraction time/solvent cost.

PRESSURE

From the initial chosen extraction pressure, increasing pressure increases wax/resin concentration in the extract

Pressure over 5000 psi at 45 deg C causes chlorophyll extraction,

Increasing pressure increases chlorophyll in the extract

Increasing temperature increases chlorophyll in the extract

Higher pressures are harder to maintain if CO2 supply is not continuous (cylinders instead of bulk)

FLOW RATE

Maintaining flow rate at higher pressures is more difficult due to a loss of CO2 supply (especially when using tanks and the cylinders are emptying).

Increasing flow rate can cause dry ice accumulation, resulting in a higher chance of icing up lines unless additional heat is applied.

Decreasing flow allows for the material to be in contact with the solvent for longer, increasing potential yield.

Decreasing flow slows processing.

SOLVENT-TO-FEED RATIO

This is a processing time/solvent cost versus extract quantity amount issue. The correct ratio is the one that is most cost-effective.

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, the selection of extraction parameters is a balancing act: product quality vs quantity, processing time vs yield, and the overall cost to produce the product. The four parameters discussed are the main ones that our customers use to fine-tune their processes.