Hemp CO2 extracts with supercritical extraction.
CO2 hemp extraction
CO2 as a solvent is considered a purer, safer way to extract oil from botanicals. It’s popular with cannabis extraction because no solvent is left behind, so the extract is considered cleaner. As the popularity of CBD explodes, more hemp producers are turning to CO2 to extract hemp oil, and starting their own CO2 hemp extraction business. In addition, a few states have cleared the way for hemp production, so hemp is entering the mainstream. Because the main extract of CBD is usually for human consumption, as well as animals, it’s important to have a clean, pure extract, without contaminants from solvents. In the past, hemp extraction has been done by alcohol because of the scale, but it’s difficult, if not impossible, to fractionate and harvest terpenes this way. Terpenes are the compounds that contain the smell and flavor of the plant, which have a whole host of medicinal benefits. However, many CO2 manufacturers (including Apeks!) are in the hemp oil extraction market with large-scale systems, that are capable of processing hundreds, if not thousands of pounds per day.
How to “Hemp” oil, aka CBD
You can easily extract CBD from hemp, using an Apeks Supercritical system, using the same methods that cannabis processors have been using for years. Our layouts allow for flexible extraction, including fractionation, maintaining the ability to do strain specific runs, on a large platform. We have developed a platform called The Fleet, that allows you to start small and add on, using one external chiller, that will control up to three extraction systems. The external chiller means you won’t need an expensive air conditioning unit because all the heat generated can simply diffuse into the open air! Inside the building, you have temperature control units controlling each system. Pipes fed through the wall mean you can start with a single system and then expand as needed. Daisy chaining systems means you can process large amounts, with one chiller.
Hemp oil extraction
Much like cannabis, hemp is ground up and added to the extraction vessel. CO2 is pressurized and passed over the plant material. The pressurized CO2 can either be processed subcritically (low pressure, low temperature) or supercritically (high pressure, high temperature), depending on the desired outcome. Subcritical extracts will require less (if any) post processing, while supercritical extracts will need post processing work to remove undesired plant compounds like fats and waxes.
Using The Fleet, operators can process different parameters on each system, so they can use one system for terpene extraction, one for subcritical, and one for supercritical. The systems can run continuously, which means production can continue 24 hours a day.
With the Fleet, the external chiller will help with Good Manufacturing Processes, which is important when it comes to processing goods intended for human consumption.
The Apeks Advantage
As with all our systems, you can bank on getting the highest quality extract. Separate, smaller systems means you can go offline on one system, without stopping production. It allows for the flexibility to do small strain-specific runs, harvesting terpenes along the way! With our new Fleet program, there’s one controlling chiller for three extractors so you can certainly benefit from economies of scale on this platform.
It's all about scale
The Fleet looks to the future and allow you to scale up. You can purchase a single system, and have your facility set up to allow for future growth. When you’re ready, simply add to the chain and expand your business intelligently. Also, you don’t need to expand in the same place! If you have a facility with several rooms, as long as the pipes are installed around the building, through all the rooms, you can set up each system in its own room. Talk about flexibility!
How much can I process?
We’re happy you asked! You can process up to 540 pounds per day. Our flow rate is 18.6kg/minute, which is phenomenal, even if we say so ourselves!
- Layouts
- Electrical Requirements
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Expansion Layouts
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How much will it cost?
That depends on how you choose to purchase. You could buy all components up front and save thousands. Pricing starts at $415,000 so contact your sales engineer to find out more.
What's the lead time?
Another good question! We can manufacture 12x20L in 12 weeks.
What If I Have a Duplex® - Can I Convert to This Configuration?
Yes! Talk to your sales engineer to find out more, but we can convert your existing Duplex® so that you are perfectly positioned to expand. The cost of expansion starts at $120,000.
Fine print
You will need a plumber as well as an electrician for the installation. This is because of the external to internal insulated copper piping needed.
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Since 2001, Apeks Supercritical by GIBRALTAR has been designing, refining, and manufacturing botanical oil extraction systems utilizing subcritical and supercritical CO2.