HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION

Hydrocarbon (Butane/Propane)

Hydrocarbon solvent extraction is used across a number of food, cosmetic & pharmaceutical industries, with applications finding a use for hexane, pentane, butane, propane, amongst others.  Butane/propane are some of the most popular solvents used in botanical extractions due to the gentle nature of the extraction via non-polar solvent, especially when chilled.  Non-polar compounds, like terpenoids, are readily dissolved in these solvents while impurities, like plant waxes, are excluded, under the right conditions.

 

How does Hydrocarbon extraction work?

Hydrocarbon solvents, in their liquid form, are left to soak with biomass within pressurize-rated vessels, dissolving the product in fgthe loaded solvent. Operators usually chill material & solvent to reduce color & impurities, further preserving the desirable characteristics of the plant being extracted. This mixture is passed through filtration discs, often along with media to remediate colors (pigments/flavonoids), pesticides, heavy metals and the like. The solvent is then distilled off under reduced pressure to then be reclaimed via condenser and returned to slightly pressurized storage. The product left behind is typically further de-gassed in a vacuum oven or freezer dryer, leaving an operator with an aromatic, flavorful shelf product.

 
 

Efficiency & Throughput

Hydrocarbon extraction cycles are fairly quick due to limited pressures and selectiveness of the solvent.  Operators typically cycle columns of material every 60 minutes, having accounted for chilling down material and columns prior to getting started. have a cycle time of only 60 minutes. Also hydrocarbons are capable of operating at exceptionally low temperatures, which means greater preservation of the quality and unique characteristics of the material.

Preservation

Hydrocarbon extraction is also popular because it preserves the plant’s flavor, aroma, terpenes and flavonoids. 

Manufacturers we trust

ETS is the preferred manufacturing partner of Apical. We believe their superior technology gets the job done efficiently & safe. For more information on equipment we provide, click the link below.