Subcritical CO2 Extraction for Cannabis HCFSE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cannabis extraction methods, such as hydrocarbon and supercritical CO2 extraction, face challenges in safety, cost, and post-processing requirements due to the inclusion of undesired compounds in the output, necessitating a more efficient and safer method for obtaining high-cannabinoid full spectrum (HCFSE) extractions.
Innovation Solution
A subcritical CO2 process is employed to extract HCFSE components from cannabis, utilizing a controlled extraction device with specific temperature and pressure settings to isolate and collect high-cannabinoid full spectrum components without residual hydrocarbons or wax, allowing for adjustable operational parameters to achieve desired consistency and terpene content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hydrocarbon extraction is used, then operating cost is reduced, but safety risk increases due to explosion hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses supercritical CO2 as an intermediary solvent that provides the extraction efficiency of hydrocarbons without the flammability hazards. CO2 serves as a safe mediator that can be easily removed from the final product, eliminating both safety risks and post-processing requirements while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of CO2 by adjusting temperature and pressure to achieve supercritical state for extraction, then returning to subcritical state for product recovery. This parameter manipulation allows the same substance to serve different functions in different process stages, providing both safety and extraction efficiency
2Object-affected harmful factors
If supercritical CO2 extraction is used, then safety is improved, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of temperature and pressure parameters throughout the extraction process, transitioning from supercritical to subcritical conditions. This dynamic approach allows optimization of extraction efficiency while using simpler equipment compared to maintaining constant supercritical conditions, thereby reducing overall equipment costs
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the temperature and pressure parameters during the process, the patent achieves effective extraction without requiring expensive equipment designed for continuous supercritical operation. The parameter changes allow use of more economical equipment while maintaining safety and extraction quality
3Productivity
If hydrocarbon or supercritical CO2 extraction is used, then extraction efficiency is achieved, but post-processing is required to remove undesired compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the desired cannabinoid and terpene components while leaving undesired compounds like waxes and residual solvents behind through selective subcritical CO2 extraction. This selective extraction eliminates the need for post-processing removal steps, as the unwanted substances are not co-extracted in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
Subcritical CO2 acts as an ideal intermediary solvent that selectively extracts desired compounds without extracting undesired substances. The CO2 can be completely evaporated from the extract, leaving no residual solvent and requiring no additional purification steps to remove harmful compounds
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 subcritical CO2 process provides a high-cannabinoid full spectrum extraction that is ready for use, minimizing post-processing needs and offering flexible terpene and cannabinoid content adjustments, with operational parameters optimizing output viscosity and reducing wax content.
Implementation Method 1
processing an amount of dried cannabis in an extraction device using a subcritical CO2 process at pressure and temperature values to extract high-cannabinoid full spectrum (HCFSE) components
Implementation Method 2
The CO2, which will suitably be in a liquid state in vessel 12 will cause the high-cannabinoid full spectrum (HCFSE) components and other compounds to be extracted from the cannabis
Data Source
AI summary
A method for extraction of desirable comounds from cannabis provides for high-cannabinoid full spectrum (HCFSE) extractions, using CO2 at low temperature to extract the compounds in an extraction vessel. The CO2 with extracted compounds is transferred to a heated vessel which converts the CO2 to a gas, allowing the desired compounds to drop out and be removed.