A Guide To Cannabis Extraction Equipment and Machines - Articles - Analytical Cannabis

A Guide to Cannabis Extraction Equipment and Machines | Articles | Analytical Cannabis 8/24/19, 10*27 PM
A Guide to Cannabis Extraction

Equipment and Machines
Analytical Cannabis
Article
Mar 21, 2019 | by Mike May
Before any CBD oil, THC tincture, weed butter or cannabis concentrate can
be bought, first, it must be extracted. This is the job of cannabis extraction
equipment, the machines that remove the coveted cannabis compounds
from the plantʼs matrix (a process explored in more detail here).
And just like any other piece of kit, an inevitable question arises when
considering extraction machines: which oneʼs the best value for money?
Some are industrial, some are the size of a kettle. Some use CO2 as a
https://www.analyticalcannabis.com/articles/a-guide-to-cannabis-extraction-equipment-and-machines-311552 Page 1 of 25
solvent, others utilize alcohol. All have their pros and cons which can be
listed in a nice, handy guide to cannabis extraction equipment and
machines. A guide just like this:
CO2 Cannabis Extraction

CO2 might not be the cheapest solvent going, but its benefits can be
worth the price tag. In these machines, high heat and pressures turn
the gas supercritical, enabling it to extract higher yields than many
other solvent methods.
The BOSS CO2 Extraction System
Automation at all stages has already improved the extraction process,

especially with regard to repeatability and accuracy. Quadron Cannatech
focuses on developing automated extraction systems specifically for the
cannabis industry. Its BOSS CO2 Extraction System incorporates automated
controls that eliminate the use of manual valves and has been designed to
make load and unload times as short as possible to increase production
capacity. The company claims that by streamlining the process its setup
can process 20 pounds of cannabis material in 4 hours and run
continuously without supervision, enabling a total of 6 runs per day.
The BOSS CO2 extraction system. Credit: Quadron Cannatech
The price: approximately $250,000
Pros Cons
Small footprint Not suitable for small-scale production
Relatively low energy costs Relatively expensive
Automated batch loading CO2 must be stored carefully
Easy to use for this kind of system Operates at high pressures
Does not require harmful solvents Relatively complex
CannabisSFE
In all extraction methods, throughput will always be a key element for

improvement. For example, the CannabisSFE, a supercritical CO2 extraction
system from Supercritical Fluid Technologies, can be configured with 1-3
vessels to increase the amount of material that can be processed in line
with a producerʼs requirements. Flexibility and scalability in throughput are
always desirable attributes, particularly in the fast-paced cannabis industry
where companies grow fast and requirements can change overnight.
The CannabisSFE Supercritical CO2 Extraction Unit. Credit: Supercritical

Fluid Technologies.
The price: $35,500
Pros Cons
Not suitable for large scale
Small footprint
production
Suitable for average scale production No automated loading between runs
Scalable capacity CO2 must be stored carefully
Add-ons available to enhance
Operates at high pressures
functionality
Does not require harmful solvents Relatively complex
Hi-Flo FX2 20L 5K
The Hi-Flo™ High Performance Series is known for its processing powers,
and one of the latest in the series, the FX2 20L 5K, is no exception. Capable
of processing as much as 107lbs of biomass a day, the extractor offers up
to 5,000 psi and a rapid change-over for maximum extraction times.
The Hi-Flo FX2 20L 5K. Credit: Eden Labs LLC.
The price: $175,000
Pros Cons
Closed-loop design with up to 95% Requires a well-ventilated, tightly
CO2 recapture rate controlled lab environment
Fast terpene capture with advanced oil
Not suitable for small scale operators
integrity cup design
Easy step-by-step protocol for upkeep Relatively expensive
No internal moving parts so fewer
Requires scientific expertise to optimize
points of failure
Energy efficient Lower capacity than some competitors
Apeks Supercritical CO2 System
The most industrial extraction products deserve intimidating names, and

the Force is certainly no exception. Able to process a colossal 200 pounds
of dried botanical material every day, Apeks Supercriticalʼs system is
optimized to tackle the biggest workloads in the industry. This oneʼs for the
pros.
The ForceTM. Credit: Apeks Supercritical
The price: start at $445,000
Pros Cons
Can perform supercritical and
Hefty price tag
subcritical extractions
Equipped with CO2 storage tank Not suitable for small operations
Extensive scientific expertise required to
Fully automated
run and optimize system

Works for large scale operations High energy consumption
Super C Extractor
Compared to the industrial behemoths, OCO Labsʼ SuperC extractor looks

like a toy. But donʼt be fooled by its size; for the right buyer, this little
extractor has is it all-in-one. Capable of processing 1oz at 4500 psi by itself,
the SuperCʼs capabilities can also be expanded with purchased additions
such as OCO Labsʼ rack specs.
The SuperC. Credit: OCO Labs.
The price: $4000
Pros Cons
One of the cheapest extractors on the
Very low capacity
market
Ideal for small, irregular use Incapable of mass production
Practically necessitates expansion
Affordable
packs
Alcohol Cannabis Extraction

Like CO2, alcohol is one of the most commonly used solvents for
cannabis extraction. Cheap to source, the ethanol soaks up the prized
compounds, which can then be separated via evaporation. But this
cheap solution doesnʼt come without its challenges. Ethanol is highly
flammable, and any temperature change can drastically alter the final
product. Luckily, these machines come with instruction manuals.
Across International Rotovap
Built more like a home chemistry set than an industrial extractor, Across
Internationalʼs Rotovap might be the perfect choice for a savvy buyer. Plus,
thanks to its smaller volume, the Rotovap offers much more control over the
evaporation of liquid phase materials. Any downsides, of course, stem from
the extractorʼs stripped back design. For example, any cooling system will
have to be purchased separately.
The Ai SolventVap 5.3G/20L Rotary Evaporator. Credit: Across International.
The price: $19,470
Pros Cons
Much more affordable
Minimal temperature control
than other products
One-year warranty Accessories, such as chillers and pumps must be

bought separately
Suitable for small scale
Very limited loading capacity
operations
Simple and easy to use Lacks flexibility
Small volumes allow fine Alcohol extracts must be treated to remove
controls unwanted co-extracts like chlorophyll
Genius ASAHI Rotary Evaporator
Like Across Internationalʼs Rotovap, the Genius ASAHI Rotoray Evaporatorʼs

choice of solvent, alcohol, helps to keep it affordable. Two cold chambers
can help to keep chlorophyll trapped in the plant matter, making the final
product lighter in color and more flavorful.
Genius ASAHI Evaporator. Credit: Genius Extraction Technologies, Inc.
The price: varies depending on size.
Pros Cons
Removes solvents at low temperatures to Accessories, such as chillers and
preserve terpenes and cannabinoids pumps must be bought separately
Much more affordable than other Limited loading capacity in smaller
products models
Easy cleaning and maintenance Lacks flexibility
Extraction process is completely
A variety of sizes are available
manual
Source Turbo
The extractor for the on-the-go cannabis connoisseur, the Source Turbo
can be operated remotely via a mobile app. No day is too jam-packed for
this extract. As an extra feature, the Turbo also comes equipped with
altitude-specific tuning, so it can operate at its best performance whether
up in the mountains or down on the beach.
Source Turbo. Credit: Extract Craft.
The price: $599
Pros Cons
Suitable for home-use Very low production capacity
Alcohol extracts can require extensive clean
Easy to use
up
Does not require harmful
Not suitable for commercial extraction
solvents
ESCET
Part of the evolution of any form of equipment comes from the introduction
of new methods. ESCET, for example, have developed a method that
enables cannabis extraction with low-proof alcohol, such as bourbon or
vodka, plus vegetable oil and water. The company claims that this method is
“non-flammable, has no moving parts, and operates at normal pressure.” As
the process is currently patent pending, data to prove the efficacy of this
method are promising but unavailable.
The price: unknown.
Pros Cons
Does not require harmful solvents Not commercially available
No public data available to prove
Very easy to use
efficacy
No dangerous chemicals or equipment Alcohol extracts can require extensive
required clean up
Butane Cannabis Extraction

Butane, or propane in some instances, can be seen as similar solvents
to CO2 in many ways. The butane is pressurized and heated, which
transforms it from liquid to a vapor, making it easier to remove. This
process creates a shatter, a clear material of THC, CBD and other
cannabis compounds like terpenes. Although effective, the process
can be undesirable for medicinal products, due to the risk of
contamination.
The PX40 Extraction System
Throughput and scalability have been the focus of manufacturers of

hydrocarbon solvent-based extraction equipment too. Precision Extraction
Solutions, for example, continuously update their flagship PX40 Extraction
System, which is ominously known as the Executioner. Run using either

butane or propane, or a mix of both, this system can process up to 360lbs
of material in a 10-hour shift of runs. The $189,000 price tag comes with
the assurance that any extractor will be able to process vast amounts of
cannabis using a machine that has been built above and beyond regulatory
compliance. Plus, on-demand heating and chilling enables maximum
control with ease of operation.
The PX40 Extraction System, also known as the Executioner. Credit:

Precision Extraction Solutions.
The price: starts at $189,000
Pros Cons
Uses hydrocarbon solvents which must be

Easy to use for this kind of system
removed
Compatible with propane and
High cost
butane gas
High capacity Not suitable for small-scale production
Hydrocarbon solvents must be handled with
High throughput
care
Great for terpene extraction Relatively complex
The Io extractor
Over on the butane side of the extractor world is the Io extractor, a fully
automated system capable of extracting 18lbs of plant material per hour.
Priding itself on its novel data logging suite, Luna Technologiesʼ product
constantly reviews the temperatures and pressures of each run, logging
and refining its process with each cycle.
The Io extractor. Credit: Luna Technologies.
Pros Cons
Computer controls can help refine extraction recipes Low processing capacity
for maximum yield and efficiency (18lbs)
The dangers associated
Automation-ready
with butane oil
Butane must be removed
Simple to use
post-processing
Ablaze Mini Closed Loop Extractor
And here it is, what might be the cheapest butane extractor on the
market: Ablazeʼs Mini Closed Loop Extractor. With a 45g capacity and a
100psi limit, this processing product might only be capable of the most
humdrum extractions, but for those interested in a saving, this is one of the
best deals out there.
ABLAZE Mini Closed Loop Extractor. Credit: Ablaze.
The price: $510
Pros Cons
Low price point Not as simple as at-home alcohol extractors
Suitable for home-use Very low production capacity
Easy to use Vaccum pump and recovery tank also required
Ice Water Extraction

More ‘back-to-basicsʼ than other extraction methods, ice water
extraction isnʼt a step too far from giving the cannabis plant a cold
bath. Because THC is denser than water, the compound can separate
from the leaf material when washed. After this, the cannabinoid-rich
water only needs to be filtered through a series of micron bags before
itʼs ready to be used.
Eberbach Model E5703
Working to create a safe and easy method for cannabis extraction,

collaborators at Mountain High Suckers and Eberbach have developed a
commercial platform that enables ice-water extraction, which eliminates
any concern of residual chemicals in extracts. Plus, putting cannabis
material in ice water and then filtering it is an extremely safe process.
Currently available on their website, the Model E5703 can process over 1lb
of plant material per hour and has been designed to comply with existing
FDA standards. They are yet to release detailed information on the results
of their experimentation, but the technique holds promise for small scale
extraction and could potentially be scaled up to process more material.
The Eberbach Model E5703. Credit: Eberbach.
Pros Cons
Does not require harmful solvents Methodology still in development

Very easy to use Scalability unknown
No dangerous chemicals or equipment No public data available to prove
required efficacy
Cheap to run Ice water extraction is non-specific
Water-based extraction can be
Suitable for small scale operations
slow
Funding cannabis extraction equipment
Getting real equipment takes some investment in a business and can be a

huge barrier to start-ups with some setups costing hundreds of thousands
of dollars. To help overcome these hurdles, companies such as Trust Capital
have been set up to offer financing for cannabis equipment. If a
manufacturer wants to make a professional extract, professional equipment
must be used. Another approach is to borrow or lease the extraction
equipment your business requires, enabling you to get off the ground
without making any large capital investments and potentially explore various
production methods whilst you are developing your ideas. For example,
Apeks, a manufacturer of CO2 extraction systems, offer their equipment on
lease for anything from a week right up to two years. They even throw in
free servicing and in-depth training on the system.
As this industry grows, so will the equipment options for extraction. These
advances will probably go across the kinds of extraction processes, and the
connection between extraction and analytical testing could also see
improvement. Even with the best equipment, though, only skilled operators
can produce the intended results. So, training operators as needed should
always be performed in any company to guarantee results.
Stay connected with the latest news in cannabis extraction, science

and testing
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A Guide to Cannabis Extraction Equipment and Machines | Articles | Analytical Cannabis 8/24/19, 10*27 PM

A Guide to Cannabis Extraction

CO2 Cannabis Extraction

The BOSS CO2 Extraction System

Automation at all stages has already improved the extraction process,

The BOSS CO2 extraction system. Credit: Quadron Cannatech

The price: approximately $250,000

In all extraction methods, throughput will always be a key element for

The CannabisSFE Supercritical CO2 Extraction Unit. Credit: Supercritical

The price: $35,500

Hi-Flo FX2 20L 5K

The Hi-Flo FX2 20L 5K. Credit: Eden Labs LLC.

The price: $175,000

Apeks Supercritical CO2 System

The most industrial extraction products deserve intimidating names, and

The ForceTM. Credit: Apeks Supercritical

The price: start at $445,000

run and optimize system

Compared to the industrial behemoths, OCO Labsʼ SuperC extractor looks

The SuperC. Credit: OCO Labs.

The price: $4000

Alcohol Cannabis Extraction

Across International Rotovap

The Ai SolventVap 5.3G/20L Rotary Evaporator. Credit: Across International.

The price: $19,470

One-year warranty Accessories, such as chillers and pumps must be

Genius ASAHI Rotary Evaporator

Like Across Internationalʼs Rotovap, the Genius ASAHI Rotoray Evaporatorʼs

Genius ASAHI Evaporator. Credit: Genius Extraction Technologies, Inc.

The price: varies depending on size.

Source Turbo. Credit: Extract Craft.

The price: $599

The price: unknown.

Butane Cannabis Extraction

The PX40 Extraction System

Throughput and scalability have been the focus of manufacturers of

System, which is ominously known as the Executioner. Run using either

The PX40 Extraction System, also known as the Executioner. Credit:

The price: starts at $189,000

Uses hydrocarbon solvents which must be

The Io extractor. Credit: Luna Technologies.

The price: approximately $225,000

Ablaze Mini Closed Loop Extractor

ABLAZE Mini Closed Loop Extractor. Credit: Ablaze.

The price: $510

Easy to use Vaccum pump and recovery tank also required

Ice Water Extraction

Eberbach Model E5703

Working to create a safe and easy method for cannabis extraction,

The Eberbach Model E5703. Credit: Eberbach.

The price: approximately $10,000

Does not require harmful solvents Methodology still in development

Funding cannabis extraction equipment

Getting real equipment takes some investment in a business and can be a

Stay connected with the latest news in cannabis extraction, science

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