Cannabis Powder Particle Sizing for Higher Oil Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing cannabis result in low extraction yields and high processing costs due to inefficient solvent extraction, particularly with ethanol, and there is a need for improved methods to produce free-flowing cannabis powders suitable for pharmaceutical formulations and enhanced extraction of cannabinoids.
Innovation Solution
The production of fine, free-flowing cannabis powders with a preselected particle size distribution (PSD) using a vortex mill that applies aerodynamic forces to break down cannabis plant material, ensuring uniformity and enhanced extractability of cannabinoids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solvent extraction methods are used with ethanol, then the extraction process is simple and cost-effective, but the extraction yield is low (no more than 80% of compounds being extracted)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the cannabis plant material through freezing and drying before extraction. This preparation step creates optimal conditions for subsequent extraction by preserving cannabinoid integrity and improving solvent penetration, thereby increasing extraction yield and reducing substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing extraction conditions including solvent-to-material ratio, extraction temperature, and time. These parameter adjustments maximize cannabinoid extraction efficiency while minimizing loss, directly addressing the contradiction between extraction yield and substance loss.
2Productivity
If cannabis plant material is processed into fine powders with optimized particle size distribution, then cannabinoid extractability is enhanced and yield is improved by up to 50%, but the processing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cannabis plant material into particles with specific size distributions (Dv(90)≤500 μm, preferably Dv(90)≤100 μm). This segmentation increases the surface area-to-volume ratio, enhancing solvent contact and cannabinoid extraction efficiency while managing processing complexity through controlled particle size reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical grinding with a vortex-based processing system that uses fluid dynamics to achieve particle size reduction and homogenization. This substitution reduces mechanical stress on the material, preserves cannabinoid integrity, and simplifies the overall processing system while achieving the desired particle size distribution.
3Ease of operation
If the cannabis powder is produced with preselected particle size distribution (Dv(90)≤500 μm), then the powder exhibits free-flowing characteristics suitable for pharmaceutical formulations, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the particle size distribution parameters (Dv(90)≤500 μm, Dv(50), Dv(10)) to achieve optimal flowability. By adjusting these size parameters, the powder attains free-flowing characteristics essential for pharmaceutical formulation while managing manufacturing complexity through standardized processing protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing freezing and drying steps before particle size reduction. This pre-treatment preserves the structural integrity of plant cells, facilitates easier size reduction, and ensures the resulting powder has the desired flowability characteristics, thereby simplifying subsequent manufacturing operations.
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
The method produces powders with optimized particle sizes for maximum cannabinoid extraction, improving yield by up to 50% and enabling efficient formulation into pharmaceutical products without significant degradation.
Implementation Method 1
The production of fine, free-flowing cannabis powders with a preselected particle size distribution (PSD) using a vortex mill that applies aerodynamic forces to break down cannabis plant material
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for enhanced extraction of cannabis oil from a cannabis plant material, and a free-flowing powder consisting of particles of cannabis plant material for use in such method for enhanced extraction. The cannabis plant material is characterized by a cannabis strain and a cannabis plant part. The method comprising a step of comminuting said cannabis plant material to a powder of a preselected particle size distribution (PSD) characterized by 10≤Dv(90)≤100 μm as determined by laser diffraction particle size analysis prior to extraction process. The PSD is preselected in accordance with said cannabis strain and said plant part.