Cannabis extraction is a critical process in the production of cannabis concentrates. The market is saturated with various extraction methods, ranging from solvent to solventless extractions. Cryogenic extraction is one of the popular methods for producing high-quality cannabis extracts. However, the aerosol (R134a) solventless extraction is proving to be a superior method for producing cleaner, safer, and more potent extracts. In this article, we will explore the advantages of aerosol extraction over cryogenic extraction.
What is Cryogenic Extraction?
Cryogenic extraction involves freezing the cannabis plant material to very low temperatures (-40C) and then extracting the desired compounds using an aggressive solvent. The low temperatures help the aggressive otherwise solvents at room temperature to limit their solubility to the target compounds and minimize extraction of waxes, making it a popular method for producing high-quality cannabis concentrates. However, the use of solvents like butane, propane or ethanol in cryogenic extraction poses a risk of residual solvent contamination, which can be harmful to consumers and at the same time cuts on yield and increases significantly cost and time of the process.
What is Aerosol Solventless Extraction?
Aerosol (R134a) solventless extraction, also known as PURE5™ extraction process, is a solventless technique that uses R134a 99.99% pure aerosol gas (like CO2) to extract the desired compounds from the cannabis plant material. This method is more environmentally friendly and does not pose a risk of flammability and residual solvent contamination. Unlike cryogenic extraction, which requires freezing the plant material, the aerosol extraction does not require low temperatures, making it a more efficient method as the solubility is perfect at room temperature and enough to dissolve all terpenes and cannabinoids without degradation.
Advantages of Aerosol Extraction over Cryogenic Extraction
1. Safer and Cleaner Product
Aerosol (R134a) solventless extraction is a cleaner and safer method for producing cannabis extracts compared to cryogenic extraction. Cryogenic extraction uses solvents like butane, propane, hexane or ethanol, which can be harmful to consumers if residual solvents are present in the final product. The aerosol (R134a) solventless process uses a non-toxic and non-flammable refrigerant, which does not pose any risks of residual solvent contamination.
2. More Efficient Extraction
The aerosol (R134a) solventless extraction is a more efficient method compared to cryogenic extraction. Cryogenic extraction requires the plant material to be frozen, which can be time-consuming and expensive. On the other hand, R134a aerosol solventless extraction does not require freezing the plant material, making it a more efficient process while extraction only the oils you need: https://youtu.be/4SqOF4QjG44
3. Higher Yield
R134a aerosol solventless extraction produces higher yields compared to cryogenic extraction. This is because R134a aerosol extraction does not require freezing the plant material, which adds time and cost to the process and reduces the yield. R134a aerosol extraction is a gentle and efficient process that extracts the desired compounds without damaging the plant material. While preserving natural vitality in the oils including enzyme content good for curing and even preserves seed potency after extraction.
4. Preserves Full Spectrum of Terpenes and Cannabinoids
R134a aerosol extraction preserves the full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant material. Unlike cryogenic extraction, which can lead to the loss of some delicate compounds due the solvent polarity at cryogenic temperatures. R134a aerosol extraction preserves the full range of terpenes and cannabinoids, resulting in a more potent and flavorful product. Below is a COA on flower, Live Resin and FSO respectively showing how the terpene profile repeats in all extracts preserving the original genetic characteristics:
Conclusion
Cryogenic extraction has been a popular method for producing high-quality cannabis concentrates, but R134a aerosol extraction is proving to be a superior method. R134a aerosol extraction is a cleaner, safer, and more efficient method that produces higher yields and preserves the full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids. PURE5™ has a worldwide IP on the extraction of cannabis and uses R134a aerosol to produce high-quality cannabis extracts that are pure, potent, and safe for consumption.
