Supercritical CO2 and Hydrocarbon Cannabis Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cannabis extraction methods face challenges with low yield, energy consumption, and safety/environmental hazards, particularly in extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis, due to limitations in solubility and solvent toxicity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a supercritical fluid solvent system comprising carbon dioxide balanced with hydrocarbons, such as propane, propene, or propadiene, for cannabis extraction, which allows for efficient extraction of terpenes and cannabinoids while reducing wax formation and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cold press method is used to extract oils, then essential nutrients are preserved from thermal degradation, but extraction yield is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the extraction medium by using supercritical carbon dioxide, which allows extraction at lower temperatures than traditional methods while achieving higher yields through the unique solubility properties of supercritical fluids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of carbon dioxide between supercritical and gaseous states to enable efficient extraction and easy separation, where CO2 transitions to supercritical state for extraction then returns to gaseous state for solvent removal, leaving pure extract
2Productivity
If organic solvents like methanol, ethanol, chloroform, butane, hexane are used for extraction, then extraction efficiency is high, but safety hazards related to toxicity and flammability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces persistent organic solvents with carbon dioxide that can be easily removed and vented, effectively using a 'disposable' solvent that leaves no harmful residues in the final product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses carbon dioxide to create an inert extraction atmosphere that eliminates flammability hazards and reduces toxicity concerns, as CO2 is non-flammable and has low toxicity compared to traditional organic solvents
3Device complexity
If traditional extraction methods are used, then extraction process is simple, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the phase transition of CO2 from supercritical to gaseous state to achieve solvent removal without high energy input, leveraging the natural phase behavior rather than requiring energy-intensive evaporation or distillation processes
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 extraction efficiency by up to 50% for terpenes and reduces wax formation by at least 10%, achieving higher quality extracts with reduced energy consumption and environmental hazards.
Implementation Method 1
contacting cannabis plant material with a supercritical fluid solvent system comprising carbon dioxide (CO2) and a hydrocarbon co-solvent
Implementation Method 2
The extraction of cannabis to make other forms of concentrate is a function of the solubility of THC and other cannabinoids in different organic solvents
Implementation Method 3
obtaining a first fraction of the supercritical fluid solvent system containing a first cannabis extract during a first period of time; obtaining a second fraction of the supercritical fluid solvent system containing a second cannabis extract during a second period of time
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods and systems for the supercritical fluid extraction of cannabinoids from cannabis. The supercritical fluid extraction of cannabinoids is performed with carbon dioxide (CO2) balanced with one or more hydrocarbons, such as propane, propene, and propadiene. As demonstrated, the extraction can be carried out at maximum efficiency and energy savings while keeping the wax formation at minimum by lowering temperature. The methods and systems disclosed herein reduce the production time and safety/environmental hazards and are suitable for proper and safe extraction in non-GMP and GMP environments.