Cannabis Sativa L. Drying via Cryogenic Freezing and Vacuum Sublimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional processing methods for Cannabis Sativa L. flowers are inefficient in maintaining high quality and uniformity, often resulting in mold onset and loss of original color due to inadequate control during the drying process, which affects the maximum extraction of CBD.
Innovation Solution
A method involving destemming, freezing, trimming, and drying in controlled conditions, including cryogenic freezing and high-vacuum drying, to separate and remove water without simultaneous cryodesiccation, ensuring distinct steps for optimal CBD preservation and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional drying methods are used at atmospheric pressure with temperatures between 15°C and 40°C, then the drying process can be carried out in simple environments, but mold onset occurs and original color is lost due to inadequate control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from atmospheric pressure drying to vacuum drying conditions. This fundamental parameter change allows for controlled moisture removal at lower temperatures, preventing mold growth and color loss while maintaining product quality. The vacuum environment enables drying at temperatures below 40°C that would be insufficient at atmospheric pressure, thus resolving the contradiction between quality control and environmental simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vacuum conditions to create an inert drying environment that prevents oxidative degradation and mold growth. By removing oxygen and other reactive gases from the drying atmosphere, the method protects the Cannabis Sativa L. material from deterioration while maintaining controlled drying rates, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex active protection systems.
2Productivity
If traditional processing methods are used to maximize quantitative yield, then good yields are obtained, but quality is not ensured due to mold onset and color loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing freezing before drying. This pre-freezing step transforms the moisture into ice, which then sublimates directly under vacuum conditions. This preliminary transformation enables controlled moisture removal that preserves quality while maintaining productivity, as the freeze-drying process prevents mold growth and color loss during the moisture removal phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits phase transitions by implementing freeze-drying where water transitions from liquid to solid (freezing) and then directly from solid to vapor (sublimation under vacuum). This phase transition approach allows for complete moisture removal without passing through a liquid phase that would promote mold growth, thereby ensuring high quality while maintaining quantitative yield.
3Loss of time
If simultaneous cryodesiccation is performed, then freezing and drying occur together, but this prevents optimal control of each step for CBD preservation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the processing into distinct sequential steps: freezing, drying, and thawing. This segmentation allows for optimized control of each individual step - freezing at controlled rates to preserve CBD, drying under vacuum at specific temperatures to prevent degradation, and controlled thawing to maintain quality. The separation of these steps enables better CBD preservation compared to simultaneous processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by completing freezing before initiating drying, and completing drying before thawing. This sequential approach ensures that each step is optimized for its specific function - the freezing step prepares the material for vacuum drying by forming ice crystals, and the drying step removes moisture without thermal degradation. This preliminary preparation of each step enhances CBD preservation.
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
This method enhances the yield and quality of Cannabis Sativa L. flowers by maintaining original color and scent, reducing water content, and promoting long-term preservation while minimizing the risk of deterioration, achieving a high-quality product with controlled CBD content.
Implementation Method 1
a step b) of freezing the Cannabis Sativa L. flowers
Implementation Method 2
a step d) of drying the Cannabis Sativa L. flower in an environment at a predetermined pressure and temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing Cannabis Sativa L., comprising a step a) of destemming of the flowers of Cannabis Sativa L., a step b) of freezing of the flowers Cannabis Sativa L., a step c) of trimming of the flowers of Cannabis Sativa L., a step d) of drying of the flowers of Cannabis Sativa L.. The destemming step a) is suited to promote the separation of the flowers of Cannabis Sativa L. from the branches. The trimming step c) is suited to promote the removal of the outermost leaves of each flower of Cannabis Sativa L. and the step d) of drying of the flowers of Cannabis Sativa L. is carried out in high vacuum environmental conditions in such a way as to promote the sublimation into vapour of the water contained in the flowers of Cannabis Sativa L..