Cannabinoid Solution Decarboxylation via UV-Enhanced Hydrodynamic Cavitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for decarboxylation of cannabinoid compounds in cannabis and hemp plants face challenges in precision control of heating to minimize degradation and loss of volatile compounds, and UV light decarboxylation is inefficient due to limited penetration and viscosity issues.
Innovation Solution
A controlled hydrodynamic cavitation apparatus with UV light and optional electrochemistry is used to decarboxylate cannabinoid compounds, inducing cavitation events to promote uniform mixing and exposure to UV light, minimizing temperature and shear degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat is used for decarboxylation, then the decarboxylation efficiency is improved, but degradation of compounds and loss of volatile compounds increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of decarboxylation from thermal energy to light energy (specifically UV and visible light wavelengths). This allows the process to occur at ambient temperatures rather than requiring high heat, thereby maintaining decarboxylation efficiency while preventing degradation and loss of volatile compounds like terpenes that occur with thermal methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system (heating) with an optical system (light exposure). By using photons of specific wavelengths to drive the decarboxylation reaction, the system eliminates the need for high temperatures, thus achieving the desired chemical transformation without the harmful thermal effects on volatile compounds.
2Temperature
If UV light is used for decarboxylation, then temperature control is improved, but penetration depth and effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source into multiple wavelengths, specifically utilizing both UV light (for initial decarboxylation) and visible light (for enhanced penetration and sustained reaction). This multi-wavelength approach allows the system to overcome the limited penetration depth of UV light alone while maintaining temperature control and overall decarboxylation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite lighting approach, combining UV and visible light sources to achieve synergistic effects. The UV component provides the energy needed for decarboxylation while the visible light component ensures adequate penetration depth, particularly for thicker or more viscous samples, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature control and decarboxylation effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If low temperature decarboxylation is used, then degradation is minimized, but the reaction rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy delivery parameter from thermal to optical, allowing the reaction to proceed rapidly at low temperatures. By using photons of appropriate energy (UV and visible light), the system achieves fast reaction rates without the need for high temperatures, thus minimizing degradation while maintaining speed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Achieves efficient decarboxylation of THCA, CBDA, and CBCA to THC, CBD, and CBC in seconds at low temperatures, maintaining high yield and minimizing loss of terpenes and other compounds.
Implementation Method 1
A controlled cavitation apparatus is utilized for decarboxylating a cannabinoid compound solution using controlled hydrodynamic cavitation
Implementation Method 2
The rate of rotation of the rotor is further controlled for controlling the cavitation and refreshing of the cannabinoid compound solution along the area of the housing exposed to UV light; and for promoting decarboxylation of the cannabinoid compound solution to form a decarboxylated cannabinoid THC, CBD, CBC or CBG product through interaction with UV light
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for the treatment of plants, including decarboxylation, photo- oxidation, oxidation and/or combinations thereof, of cannabis and hemp plants and oils for biosynthesizing THCA, CBDA, and CBCA from CBGA are disclosed. A cannabinoid compound solution is fed into a cavitation zone of a controlled cavitation apparatus where the cannabinoid compound solution is subjected to cavitation and interaction with UV light for conversion of the cannabinoid compound solution to form a synthesized cannabinoid THC, CBD, CBC, CBG, CBNA, CBEA, CBLA product, or combinations thereof.