In the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis extraction, efficiency and product quality is a must. Among the various techniques employed in the industry, wiped film distillation has emerged as a game-changing method for producing high-quality cannabis distillates. This article explores the intricacies of wiped film distillation (WFD), its applications in the cannabis industry, and how cutting-edge technology is shaping the future of extract purification.
Understanding Wiped Film Distillation
Wiped film distillation, also known as thin film distillation, is an advanced separation technique that excels at processing heat-sensitive and high-viscosity materials. This method has gained significant traction in the cannabis industry due to its ability to preserve delicate compounds while achieving high levels of purity.
The Science Behind the Process
At its core, wiped film distillation relies on the principles of heat transfer and vapor pressure. The process involves creating a thin film of the extract on the inner surface of a heated cylinder. A rotating wiper system continuously spreads this film, ensuring even heat distribution and rapid vaporization. The vapor is then quickly condensed, resulting in a highly purified distillate.
The increased surface area created by the thin film dramatically enhances the rate of heat transfer. This allows for efficient vaporization at lower temperatures compared to traditional distillation methods. Additionally, the reduced pressure environment within the system further lowers the boiling points of the compounds being separated.
Key Advantages of Wiped Film Distillation
1. Gentle Processing: The short residence time (typically 1-3 minutes) minimizes thermal degradation of sensitive compounds. This is crucial for preserving the potency and efficacy of cannabinoids and terpenes.
2. High Efficiency: Rapid heat transfer and evaporation lead to increased productivity. The continuous nature of the process allows for higher throughput compared to batch distillation methods.
3. Versatility: Capable of handling high-viscosity and high-solids content materials. This makes it suitable for a wide range of cannabis extracts, from crude oils to refined concentrates.
4. Continuous Operation: Unlike batch processes, wiped film distillation can run continuously, enhancing throughput and reducing downtime between batches.
5. Precise Control: Allows for fine-tuning of temperature and pressure for optimal separation. This level of control enables processors to target specific compounds with great accuracy.
6. Reduced Thermal Stress: The thin film and short exposure time minimize the risk of thermal decomposition, preserving the integrity of heat-sensitive cannabinoids and terpenes.
7. Improved Product Consistency: The continuous nature of the distillation process leads to more consistent product quality compared to batch methods.
The Distillation Process
1. Feeding Tank: Raw cannabis extract is fed into the system’s feeding unit.
2. Film Formation: As the extract enters the evaporator, a wiper spreads it into a thin film (typically 0.1 to 0.5 mm thick) on the evaporator’s interior surface.
3. Evaporation: The heated jacket causes volatile compounds to vaporize. The thin film and low pressure allow this to occur at lower temperatures than traditional distillation methods.
4. Vapor Travel: The vaporized compounds travel a short distance to the condenser.
5. Condensation: Vapors are rapidly cooled in the condenser system.
6. Collection: Purified distillate is collected via a discharge system.
7. Residue Removal: Any non-volatile residues are continuously removed from the bottom of the evaporator.
Applications in Cannabis Processing
Wiped film distillation has become an indispensable tool in cannabis processing, offering a range of applications:
– Removing residual solvents and impurities
– Separating and concentrating cannabinoids
– Producing high-purity CBD or THC distillates
– Refining crude extracts into premium products
– Terpene isolation
The Future of Cannabis Extraction
As the cannabis industry continues to mature, the demand for high-quality, consistently pure extracts is increasing. Wiped film distillation is poised to play a crucial role in meeting this demand. The technology is likely to evolve further, with potential improvements in automation, energy efficiency, scalability, and integration with other processing equipment.
PURE5™ 6″ SS Wipe Film Distillation System
At PURE5™ Extraction, we’re proud to offer our state-of-the-art 6″ SS Wipe Film Distillation system. This advanced machine is designed to meet the demanding needs of cannabis processors seeking top-tier distillation capabilities.
Key Features:
Key Features:– Effective Evaporation Area: 0.25 m2
– Ultimate Vacuum Degree: ≤1.0 Pa
– Processing Flow: 2.0-5.0 L/H
– Maximum Temperature: 225°C (437°F)
– Dual-Stage Condenser with Cold Trap
– Barrel Inside Diameter: 150 mm
– Motor Power: 120 W
– Max RPM: 300
– Power Supply: 220V/60Hz, 1 phase
Our system is built on 304 stainless steel construction with a food-grade polished interior, ensuring the highest standards of purity and safety. The programmable logic controller (PLC) offers user-friendly operation and first-level safety functionality.
Advantages of PURE5™’s WFD System
1. Superior Construction: Our 304 stainless steel construction and food-grade polished interior ensure the highest levels of purity and longevity.
2. Precise Temperature Control: With a maximum temperature of 225°C and Pt100 sensors, our system offers exceptional temperature precision.
3. Efficient Cooling: Our dual-stage condenser system, capable of reaching -20°C, ensures thorough vapor collection and preservation of volatile compounds.
4. Versatile Processing: With a flow rate of 2.0-5.0 L/H, our system can handle a wide range of production scales.
5. User-Friendly Operation: The PLC control system provides intuitive operation and advanced safety features.
6. Comprehensive Support Systems: Including a recirculation chiller, heating circulator, and dual-stage vacuum pump for optimal performance.
7. Compact Design: Despite its powerful capabilities, our system has a relatively small footprint, making it suitable for various facility sizes.
Conclusion
Wiped film distillation has revolutionized the cannabis extraction industry, offering a method to produce high-quality distillates with unprecedented efficiency and precision. The PURE5™ 6″ SS Wipe Film Distillation system embodies the best of this technology, offering cannabis processors a powerful tool to elevate their products to new heights of purity and potency.
Whether you’re looking to scale up production, improve product purity, or explore new cannabis product formulations, WFD is an essential tool in your arsenal. With PURE5™’s advanced system, you’re not just keeping pace with the industry – you’re leading the way.
Contact PURE5™ Extraction today to learn how our wiped film distillation technology can elevate your cannabis processing operation to new heights. Embrace the future of cannabis extraction and set your products apart in an increasingly competitive market.
