Cannabinoid Extraction Using Ethyl Acetate and Solid Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants using toxic solvents like propane, butane, and hexane are hazardous, laborious, and costly, with inefficiencies in purifying the extracts due to the extraction of undesired compounds and the need for expensive equipment and expertise.
Innovation Solution
A method using FDA-approved, food-safe organic esters like ethyl acetate for extraction, combined with dewatering, chlorophyll removal, and distillation to produce a purified cannabis extract with minimal use of expensive equipment, involving recirculating extraction vessels and filtration techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If toxic solvents like propane, butane, and hexane are used for extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but safety hazards and toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, hazardous extraction equipment and toxic solvents with simple, food-grade solvents (ethyl acetate, ethanol) that can be handled in basic kitchen equipment. The extraction process uses disposable or easily cleanable household items rather than specialized industrial equipment, making the process both safer and more accessible while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extraction system by substituting toxic hydrocarbon solvents with food-grade esters and alcohols. This parameter change maintains extraction efficiency for cannabinoids and terpenes while eliminating the safety hazards and toxicity associated with propane, butane, and hexane. The process also operates at ambient or mildly elevated temperatures rather than requiring extreme conditions.
2Productivity
If butane is used for extraction, then cannabinoid extraction is improved, but unwanted hydrophobic compounds like waxes are co-extracted requiring additional purification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using ethyl acetate, which has selective extraction properties that favor cannabinoids and terpenes over waxes and hydrophobic impurities. The solvent's specific chemical characteristics create a localized extraction environment that discriminates between desired and undesired compounds, reducing co-extraction and minimizing the need for additional purification steps.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If food grade solvents like ethyl alcohol are used, then safety is improved, but water content causes aqueous-soluble impurities to be extracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses food-grade solvents that are already approved for human consumption, eliminating the need for expensive purification equipment and complex chromatographic separation systems. The simple distillation and evaporation processes required are much less costly than laboratory-scale purification equipment, making the process both safer and more economically viable.
4Productivity
If traditional extraction and purification methods are used, then cannabinoid extraction is achieved, but equipment costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex extraction equipment with simple household items and basic laboratory glassware. The process uses readily available food-grade solvents and standard kitchen equipment like saucepans, strainers, and rotary evaporators, eliminating the need for specialized industrial extraction systems. This dramatically reduces both equipment costs and the complexity of operation while maintaining effective cannabinoid extraction.
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 provides a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective extraction process that yields high-quality cannabinoid and terpene extracts with reduced residual solvent levels and improved purity, comparable to traditional methods while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
extracting a crude extract from cannabis solids by contacting the cannabis solids with an organic ester
Implementation Method 2
The dewatering step may comprise contacting the crude extract with a solid dewatering agent, such as food grade sodium sulfate
Implementation Method 3
The removing chlorophyll step may comprise contacting the crude extract with a solid absorbing agent, such as food grade activated charcoal
Implementation Method 4
distilling the crude extract thereby creating a purified cannabis extract
Implementation Method 5
purging the refined cannabis extract in a vacuum to reduce the level of residual solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a purified cannabis extract may comprise extracting a crude extract from cannabis solids, dewatering the crude extract, removing chlorophyll from the crude extract, and distilling the crude extract thereby creating a purified cannabis extract. The extracting step may include contacting crude cannabis solids with an organic ester, thereby creating the crude extract and waste solids. The dewatering step may include contacting the crude extract with a solid dewatering agent and filtering the crude extract from the solid dewatering agent. The removing chlorophyll step may include contacting the crude extract with a solid absorbent agent, and filtering the crude extract from the solid absorbent agent.