Fractionated Cannabis Concentrate via Solvent-Free Press Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing cannabis concentrates involve complex and costly solvent-based extraction processes that can leave residual solvents and require complicated distillation, posing health risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-free and distillation-free method involving pressing dried cannabis through filters with specific pore sizes and pressures to fractionate cannabinoids, followed by decarboxylation in an edible carrier oil, yielding a concentrated and enriched THC-A product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solvent-based extraction processes are used to produce cannabis concentrates, then extraction efficiency is improved, but residual solvents remain and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful solvent-based extraction process and replaces it with a mechanical pressing process that uses pressure and temperature to separate cannabinoids from plant material without introducing harmful chemicals. The pressing process mechanically forces cannabinoids through filters while avoiding solvent contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the extraction parameters from chemical (solvent-based) to physical (pressure and temperature-controlled pressing). By controlling pressure gradients and temperature during pressing, the process achieves efficient cannabinoid extraction without residual solvents, resolving the contradiction between extraction efficiency and health safety.
2Manufacturing precision
If distillation processes are used to purify cannabis concentrates, then purity is improved, but process complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the purification process into multiple pressing stages with different pore size filters rather than using a single complex distillation process. The first pressing stage uses larger pore filters to remove plant material, while the second stage uses smaller pore filters to remove waxes and lipids, achieving purification through sequential mechanical filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical distillation system with a purely mechanical pressing and filtration system. By using controlled pressure gradients and sequential filtration through different pore size filters, the process achieves purification without the complexity of distillation equipment and operational procedures.
3Productivity
If high pressure is applied during pressing to increase cannabinoid extraction, then productivity is improved, but filter clogging and process control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressing process into two distinct stages with different pressure conditions. The first pressing stage operates at higher pressure to extract maximum cannabinoids through larger pore filters, while the second pressing stage operates at lower pressure to remove waxes and lipids through smaller pore filters. This segmentation prevents filter clogging by managing pressure and particle size sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary extraction at higher pressure through the first filter before proceeding to the second pressing stage. This preliminary action removes the bulk of cannabinoids first, preventing excessive pressure buildup and filter clogging during the subsequent wax and lipid removal stage, thereby improving process control.
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
Produces a high-yield, solvent-free cannabis concentrate with enhanced THC-A content suitable for edibles, avoiding health risks and operational complexities of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
pressing dried cannabis through a first filter having a first pore size of between about 90 and 100 micrometers at a temperature of about 210° F. at an initial pressure of about 500 psi wherein the initial pressure is gradually increased to about 8,000 psi
Implementation Method 2
pressing the cannabis concentrate through a second filter having a second pore size from about 15 to 30 micrometers
Implementation Method 3
pressing dried cannabis through a first filter having a first pore size of between about 90 and 100 micrometers at a temperature of about 210° F.
Implementation Method 4
decarboxylated, fractionated cannabis concentrate suspended in an edible carrier oil
Data Source
AI summary
A fractionated cannabis concentrate, consumable product containing the fractionated cannabis concentrate, and a method for producing the fractionated cannabis concentrate. The method may include pressing dried cannabis through a first filter having a first pore size of between about 90 and 100 micrometers under a first set of temperature and pressure conditions, collecting a cannabis concentrate released from the dried cannabis and passed through the first filter as a result of the pressing, and fractionating the cannabis concentrate by pressing the cannabis concentrate through a second filter having a second pore size from about 15 to 40 micrometers under a second set of temperature and pressure conditions until a liquid emerges through the second filter leaving a fractionated cannabis concentrate on the second filter. The fractionated cannabis concentrate may be suspended in an edible carrier oil and decarboxylated prior to use in an edible product, tincture or inhalation system.