Cannabis Raw Material Modification Through Selective Steam Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting Cannabis compounds are inefficient and result in significant loss of terpenes and thiols, leading to reduced efficacy and undesirable odor and flavor, while also affecting the Total Potential cannabinoid content.
Innovation Solution
A method involving variable-pressure steam extraction and hydrodistillation is used to selectively remove volatile organic compounds like terpenes and thiols from Cannabis, retaining the naturally occurring cannabinoids and plant structure, followed by adding new volatile compounds to modify the flavor and aroma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional extraction methods are used to remove volatile organic compounds, then the odor and flavor are improved, but the cannabinoid content and terpene loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by operating the steam extraction apparatus at variable pressures and temperatures. By controlling these parameters, the process selectively removes volatile organic compounds while preserving cannabinoids and terpenes, resolving the contradiction between odor improvement and substance loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water (liquid to vapor and back) to enable selective extraction. The steam generation and condensation phases allow volatile compounds to be removed while non-volatile cannabinoids remain, addressing both odor reduction and substance preservation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If steam extraction is used to remove volatile organic compounds, then the odor is reduced, but the plant structure and cannabinoid integrity are affected
Solution Approach 1:
By precisely controlling temperature and pressure parameters during steam extraction, the process achieves odor reduction while maintaining plant structure and cannabinoid integrity. The variable-pressure system prevents excessive thermal damage
Solution Approach 2:
Water vapor acts as an intermediary medium that selectively carries away volatile organic compounds without directly contacting or degrading the cannabinoid compounds. This mediator approach protects cannabinoid integrity while achieving odor reduction
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing extraction methods are applied, then volatile organic compounds are removed, but the efficacy and total potential cannabinoid content are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition-based extraction where water vapor selectively volatizes and removes harmful volatile organic compounds while leaving non-volatile cannabinoids intact. This phase-based separation maintains efficacy and cannabinoid content
Solution Approach 2:
Variable-pressure and temperature control enables selective removal of volatile compounds without degrading cannabinoids. The parameter optimization ensures high efficacy while minimizing substance loss
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 a purified Cannabis product with minimal odor and flavor impact, preserving cannabinoid content and plant structure, and allows for modified products with unique odors and flavors by adding volatile compounds.
Implementation Method 1
a steam extraction apparatus that generates steam and passes the steam through a Cannabis raw plant material
Implementation Method 2
a condenser that condenses the steam and volatile organic compounds
Data Source
AI summary
A method of modifying a naturally occurring Cannabis raw plant material, a purified Cannabis product from a naturally occurring Cannabis raw plant material, and a modified Cannabis product from a naturally occurring Cannabis raw plant material. The method includes selectively extracting at least some volatile organic compounds from a naturally occurring Cannabis raw plant material. At least some of a naturally occurring potential cannabinoid content in the Cannabis raw plant material is retained after removal of the at least some of the volatile organic compounds as well as substantially all of the physical structure of the Cannabis raw plant material.