Chromatography's Role in Cannabis Testing

If you want to know the role of chromatography in the cannabis industry, this blog is for you. Through this post, we are going to discuss the importance of chromatography in cannabis testing. These days, the cannabis industry is growing rapidly with the legalization of recreational marijuana. Nine states of the USA have fully legalized marijuana and, Canada is also planning to legalize it. Additionally, many states have mandated cannabis testing in order to ensure customers' safety from harmful chemicals. These regulations need growers to test for pesticides, residual solvents and also trace heavy metals from their products. Tetrahydrocannabinol is commonly associated with the psychoactive effect in cannabis when cannabidiol is a compound in marijuana having a pain-relieving effect. This blog will address the role of Chromatography in the field of cannabis testing.

• New opportunities arise for analytical instruments — especially chromatography systems with growing demand in this market. There are numerous techniques for cannabis testing, but chromatography is leading due to its fast and operative results. The most popular testing method High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is dominating half of the total cannabis testing market. On the other hand, gas chromatography (GC), along with thin layer chromatography, and SFC are other well-known methods used in this market.

 

• Most labs are familiar with high-performance liquid chromatography and, this method doesn`t require heat and provides a perfect content analysis as compared to gas chromatography in potency testing. 

 

• GC/MS is commonly used as it accurately detects traces of volatile compounds for pesticides and residual solvent screening. The list of pesticides that requires test varies from state to state due to different regulations.

• Since the approaches and measures utilized by cannabis testing labs are not limited to the marijuana industry, demand for cannabis testing is also rewarded by general analytical labs. Though lots of vendors offer a particular instrument for cannabis testing

• As we see, the market of cannabis testing is high in demand these days and is in a developing state. Due to its high demand in the cannabis testing field its gradually increasing the demand for chromatography tools. Even simpler techniques such as Total Leukocyte Count will find growth opportunities and, they help in providing easier and inexpensive substitutes of high-performance liquid chromatography. 

 

• However, there are still some doubts in the market due to unlike state-level regulations and the absence of calibration in testing approaches. 

Final words

So, this is all about how chromatography is helpful in the field of cannabis testing. Hopefully, the information shared through this post will help you a lot regarding chromatography and Supercritical Chromatography. If you want to know more interesting things about chromatography, you can ping your message in the below comment section box. Thanks:) 

 

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Unleashing Nature's Power: Essential Oil Extraction Techniques.

Essential oils are extracted from plant materials through removal methods that are suited to the specific plant part containing the oils rather than being synthetically manufactured in labs. When introduced to solvents – they are liquefied versions of the plant essential oils are the liquids isolated from plants! Popular extraction techniques include Cold press Extraction, Water Distillation, Steam Distillation, Solvent Extraction, CO2 Extraction, Maceration, and Water Distillation. By applying temperature and pressure, the method of extraction affects the quality of essential oils. Different extraction methods use different types of Extraction Equipment in the field of extraction and fluid chromatography. 

Production of essential oils:

If you are wondering about the making process of essential oil, let`s discuss, essential oils are not made but are extracts from plant materials. Extractions use to get the plant`s active botanical elements that function as its life force. When a botanical material introduces to a solvent in which some of the plant material components dissolve an herbal extract is produced. Eventually, the solvent becomes permeated with the botanical supplies. That it has pulled from the source plant, and this is what is devoted to as the extract. 

Water & steam distillation:

The water and steam distillation methods are employed with the herb as well as leaf materials. And the plant materials are immersed in water in a still to which heat is applied. In this process, steam is fed into the main still from outside. Steam Distillation is the most popular method. 

 

CO2 Extraction:

Essential oils are extracted from supercritical CO2 extraction techniques and are similar to oils produced through distillation which is used in natural perfumery and aromatherapy. The quality of oils extracted by this method depends upon three factors: temperature, pressure, and length of time applied for the process. This extraction process produces high-quality oils and has not been affected by the application of high heat and, no constitutes of oils are damaged under this extraction process with heat. To operate the extraction process, the temperature must be between 95-to-100-degree F. on the other side, the temperature required for steam distillation is between 140 to 212 degrees F.  

 

In closing

This blog is all about extraction oil techniques and is useful in the field of fluid extraction and fluid chromatography extraction. Moreover, CO2 is used as a solvent in its liquid form in the CO2 extraction process. Hopefully, this blog will help you a lot by providing different types of techniques to extract oils from natural herbs. If you have any queries or questions regarding extraction techniques, you can contact us in the comment section box. We, definitely resolve your problem shortly. Thanks!

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CO2: High Demand in the Cooling Industry

CO2 act as a natural refrigerant in the cooling industry as it has many advantages over other substances, such as:

• Low dynamic viscosity

• Low kinematic viscosity 

• Small volume

• Small pressure ratio

• Physical stability

CO2 is becoming hot research globally these days due to its preferable performance in heating and cooling. There is no doubt that CO2 is becoming the perfect refrigerant in the 21st century. Nowadays, carbon dioxide is applied in heat pumps, automobile air conditioning, and multi-stage refrigeration system.

Physical properties of CO2

At normal temperature and pressure, CO2 works as a natural working medium, colorless and tasteless. The critical temperature and pressure of CO2 are 31 ℃ and 74 bar respectively.

• CO2 has large evaporation latent heat and, the refrigerating capacity per unit volume is 5 to 8 times as compared to traditional refrigerants. 

• And the kinematic viscosity of CO2 is also very low and can stay at low temperatures.

• The ratio of liquid density to vapor density of CO2 is low, while its thermal conductivity is high. After throttling, the refrigerant can be distributed equally in the refrigeration pipes.

Advantages of CO2 over other refrigerants: 

Environment protection

The global warming potential of CO2 is one and, the ozone depletion potential is zero. And it`s less than of the refrigerants’ CFCs and HCFs. However, most of the carbon dioxide used for refrigeration is chemical. 

Thermophysical Property

CO2 is perfectly suitable for refrigeration cycles and equipment from the thermophysical properties of the working medium.

Chemically stable

The chemical properties of carbon dioxide are stable. Additionally, it`s harmless, non-toxic, non-combustible, and at high temperatures, it will not decompose into gases. Also, it`s economical, cheap, and easy to obtain. 

Innovations in CO2 Compressors

Many initiative manufacturers have joined in the development of research and carbon dioxide refrigeration compressors. Many big manufacturers from all over the world not only have launched carbon dioxide compressors but are also providing CO2 solutions for different commercial sectors.

Features of CO2 compressors: 

High efficiency

The process of compression, suction, and discharge of scroll compressors are non-stop and unidirectional. As a result, the danger of overheating suction gas is small, while the pressure difference between the two neighboring chambers is low.

Minimum noise and vibration

The compression and exhaust are continuous at the same time during the suction procedure of a scroll compressor. The pressure increases slowly and, torque change is relatively small, so there is little noise and vibration. 

Easily discharge of pressure

It allows liquid compression due to screw compressors adopting a gas support mechanism. The end faces of the moving plate and the static plate can be separated, and the pressure can be released immediately when the pressure in the compression chamber is too high.

Final remarks

Lastly, CO2 is harmless, environment friendly, and non-toxic and, due to its physical nature, it`s highly demandable in the cooling industry. Additionally, it`s used in refrigeration compressors because it has better properties than other refrigerants. There is no doubt about the promising future and market of CO2 in the coming time when the voice of environmental protection is rising. Moreover, if you want to know more about Waters CO2 Equipment, stay connected with us through our latest informative blogs and articles. Thanks!

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CO2 Extraction Services for Hemp and Botanicals: Top 5 Advantages

For the extraction process, the CO2 hemp extraction method uses carbon dioxide in the subcritical and supercritical states as a solvent. First of all, the hemp biomass is harvested, cleaned, and tested to identify its botanical identity as the cannabis plant. Additionally, it is tested to confirm THC levels below the federally required threshold of 0.3%. And also to include biomass that contains high levels of chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides.

After that, the material of the plant is processed to definite particle size and moisture content and placed in an extraction vessel. CO2 is subjected to a specific temperature and high pressure. Both pressure and temperature variations put the CO2 into a subcritical or supercritical state. After these two steps, it flows through the biomass in the extraction chamber.

Advantages of CO2 extraction services: 

Deliver a pure extract:

Consumers give importance quality of the product in the health, Nutraceutical, and personal care market. The supercritical fluid extraction method creates hemp extracts and CBD products that provide on purity guarantee by eliminating harmful solvent residues and stopping rising unwanted compounds in the finished product.  

 

Highly tunable solvent:

Subcritical as well as supercritical CO2 can be fine-tuned, unlike hydrocarbons solvents with the adjustment of pressure and temperature. Additionally, this helps to make processing fast and efficient while targeting only the desired compounds in the hemp biomass.

High-quality CBD extract obtain:

As hemp growers make investments in labor-intensive agriculture practices and high-quality seed to produce the most CBD-rich botanicals possible. Similarly, CO2 processing`s CBD isolation ability just makes sense to capture the target potential from top-quality hemp biomass. Moreover, customers purchase CBD products for their cannabidiol. 

Recoverable and nontoxic:

You may get wonder after knowing CO2 extraction is safe or not. The CO2 used for hemp extraction and is recovered collects and, recycled and leaves no chemical solvent residue. It is not only crucial consideration from an operational and environmental standpoint. It helps to create definite green brand attributes that are often associated with hemp products.

Eliminate some post-processing steps:

Speed to shelf can make a make or break aspect in the success of branded hemp extract product line. CO2-based techniques not only extract more botanical compounds faster and also eliminate the need for some post-processing steps. Moreover, this gets you CBD extract into the final product and blends.  

Lastly

These supercritical and subcritical CO2 extraction services are used to target and extract essential oils, bioactive compounds, and herbal products such as vanilla, lavender, and many other wood-waste-based products. Hopefully, the information shared through this blog regarding Supercritical Fluids will help you a lot. Thanks!

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Construction of Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) Equipment!

Supercritical fluid technology stands for processes that are performed at temperature and pressure either near or above the critical point of a substance. One of the most popular applications in 1970 was supercritical fluid extraction, which is also known as gas extraction. This is because of the use of CO2 at temperature and pressure above the critical point. For several applications, this supercritical fluid technology is worthwhile at the industrial scale. Through this blog, you will learn about the construction of SFE Equipment.

Equipment setup:

In equipment setup, the first step is constructing supercritical fluid extraction 0.1L unit is gathering of the component support structure. Moreover, the mainframe of supercritical fluid extraction 0.1L contains 4 pieces of 800mm, 5 pieces of 710 mm, and 7 pieces of 510 mm. These pieces units are attached to the primary structure and the two steel plates are designed based on the previous design. After that, all of the components are located with the objective of easy accessing the extractor, valve panel, separator, and process indicator. 

Equipment validation:

Two raw materials, annatto, and sweet fennel are used to validate the equipment. The annatto is used to validate the extraction line without a separator. On the other hand, fennel is used to validate the extraction monitored by separation.

 

Extraction and separation

The extractor of critical fluid extraction 0.1 unit has a volume of 100 mL and an internal diameter relationship of 19. However, the two separators have a 90 mL volume, with a lateral entrance equipped with thermocouples that reach half the height of the cylinder. And permit estimates of the good boundary conditions and the temperatures at the central points of the cylinders. The extract masses are weight, and the yield after extraction is calculated as the mass of extract divided by the mass of dry basis. Overall extraction curve, which is cumulated mass of extract against the time of extraction and it can interpreted as containing three stages: 

• The constant extraction rate period

• The falling extraction rate period 

• The diffusion-controlled period

Moreover, the overall extraction curve is adjusted to the spline model containing straight three lines. The funnel extraction is obtained at 200 bar and 313k according to the procedure with a flow rate of 12g/min and S/F of 10. The condition of the first separator is (80 bar, 312 k) and the condition of the second separator is (20 bar, 279K). After one hour of extraction, the extracts are stored at 255 K for late analyses. 

Lastly

After reading the above information, you will be able to understand the construction of critical Fluid extraction equipment and its working process & working conditions. Hopefully, the information shared through this post will help you a lot regarding SFE Equipment. If you have any queries or questions, feel free to contact us in the comment box. We will definitely resolve your problem shortly. For more informative and innovative blogs, stay connected with us. Happy searching!

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Supercritical Fluid Chromatography: The pros and cons of SFC

Chromatography plays an essential role within the cannabis space. In various applications, it is hard to extract the oil from the cannabis plant. And the fundamental cannabinoids and other compounds that make up these oils are required to be further separated from each other. In testing, this is true where you want to look at the presence of each compound present individually. Moreover, it is also relevant for product manufacturers looking to create Cannabidiol oil or Tetrahydrocannabinol isolates from broad-spectrum cannabis oils. Through this blog, you will read about Supercritical Chromatography along with its pros and cons.

How it works

The method of Supercritical fluid chromatography at presently adopted by the cannabis community. In the setup, there is a hybrid between supercritical CO2 extraction and HPLC chromatography. A chromatography column filled with a solid silica based stationary phase is used to pass the cannabis extract in SFC and it separates into its constituent parts that are analyzed and collected. But not like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, the mobile phase that transfers the extract through the apparatus is not liquid solvent.

The pros and cons of SFC

Operationally, supercritical fluid chromatography is similar to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, but the SFC method comes with some very unique benefits. Supercritical CO2 has some unique properties that make it a very powerful solvent, as those familiar with CO2 extraction will already be aware. These fluids have the density of a liquid, the viscosity of the gas, and also diffusion constant that sits approximately between those two matter states.

CO2 also comes with the benefits of being a chemically inert and non-flammable solvent, therefore it can be safely mixed with a little amount of other co-solvent in order to make a solvent with an ideal polarity. At room temperature, it exists in gaseous form and there is no risk of remaining solvents being present in the separated cannabinoid fractions, as the carbon dioxide will naturally evaporate at room temperature. 

Supercritical Fluid Chromatography has some unique advantages in terms of technologies, as compared to high-performance liquid chromatography and other novel chromatography technologies. The solid silica-based stationary phase will last for approximately 100 to 1000 runs with HPLC and flash chromatography. On the other hand, centrifugal partition chromatography exclusively uses a liquid stationary phase, which can mostly be recycled and exist as an improvement on the durability of HPLC. SFC systems can run thousands of cycles before parts need to change due to the novel properties of the supercritical fluid solvent. The accessibility of SFC equipment is one of the largest limitations nowadays for the cannabis industry. But at present, only a handful of technology suppliers produce supercritical fluid chromatography systems appropriate for academic and analytical purposes.

Concluding words

From the above discussion, it can be concluded that supercritical liquid chromatography plays an important role in the cannabis industry. It has the potential to become a real heavy-hitter in the world of industrial-scale CBD isolate production if the technique can lift itself out of its relative obscurity within the cannabis sector. Hopefully, the information shared in this blog regarding SFC will be more beneficial for you according to your search. Feel free to reach out to the official website of Thar Process if you want more information. Happy searching!

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How Co2 Extraction is the Best Way to Get The Most Out Of Your Cannabis

There are various better and safer extraction methods available for cannabis extraction. But still, supercritical CO2 extraction is the current winner for cannabis products.

What Is Supercritical CO2 Extraction?

Supercritical CO2 extraction is a highly efficient way to extract cannabinoids. The process is based on a highly pressurized extraction vessel, in which you can directly add ingredients into a liquid for extraction. Once in the chamber, the vessel is sealed, and then a new, lower pressure vessel is applied. The CO2 from the supercritical extraction process is then siphoned through a tiny pipe to a vaporizer, which is your source of cannabinoids. This method allows for quicker, safer, and more efficient extraction compared to other methods. Supercritical CO2 Extraction in Action is used to make the most of the supercritical CO2 extraction method; you should always follow the safety guidelines.

Why Is This So Considered The Best Method?

Supercritical CO2 extraction is the most efficient method for cannabis product extraction. The only ingredient that it uses is CO2. When done correctly, the CO2 will not only extract the compounds from the cannabis but also protect them so that the extracts won’t be altered once they’re added to your product. This method will also have the maximum amount of solvent removed, making your product purer, without added chemicals. Are There Any Consequences Of Using Supercritical CO2 Extractors? There aren’t many drawbacks to this method. Aside from the fact that it’s still fairly new, it can also be hard to find purchase equipment. For instance, industrial supercritical CO2 units are expensive.

Other Methods of Extraction

Other well-established techniques for extracting cannabis into usable forms include water baths and flash vaporization. Here’s how they work:

Water Bath 

This involves putting cannabis in a plastic container and submerging it in warm water. Extracted cannabinoids are then removed through gravity.

Flash Vaporization 

This method uses flash lamps and vacuum extractors. After the cannabis is extracted, it is sent to a tube that blows air, so the cannabinoids can quickly get out of the solution.

CO2

CO2 is the most efficient extraction method due to its high pressure, low temperature, and the way it increases the purity of the final product. CO2 is the best way to extract cannabis. However, it has some downsides.

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