Cold ethanol extraction
Three basic factors must be considered when choosing the best extraction solvent.
Safety.
Efficiency; and
Cost.
First, to limit environmental hazards in the workplace, the solvent should be Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) and not chemically reactive. Second, the ideal solvent must be able to extract the desired compound quickly and efficiently, while leaving as many impurities as possible. Finally, the solvent must be readily available and not too expensive.
CryoEXS, the world's first large-scale cold ethanol extraction and processing technology, is a single-skid, scalable solution that is not limited by past extraction methods. This integrated, automated system is capable of rapidly processing hundreds of pounds of biomass per hour and can quickly convert hemp or cannabis biomass into lipid-free decarboxylated concentrates in a matter of hours; all without the need for additional equipment. Designed by German process engineers DEVEX and manufactured with the highest quality components, these powerful systems offer the longest run times, unmatched reliability, and are available in a wide range of sizes to meet customer throughput requirements.
CryoEXS' low-temperature ethanol extraction technology allows processors to skip the winterization step that takes days to complete in traditional methods. By keeping the temperature of the biomass in contact with the solvent below -40°C, fats, waxes and lipids will be insoluble and remain in the plant material after extraction. Cannabinoids are particularly soluble in ethanol at 190 degrees; the extraction process itself is completed in a few minutes. A sanitary centrifugal pump then forces the miscella (ethanol-containing extract) through a series of configurable filters to remove any residual traces of plant material from the extract.
In addition to the economic and time benefits of a fully integrated extraction and post-treatment solution, the flexibility that CryoEXS offers processors is unparalleled. multiple filters are included in the CryoEXS standard system, allowing operators to quickly and easily reconfigure the filtration system to meet the specific needs of each batch. This flexibility can address any problem that may be encountered, from excess fine particles to the need for decolorization through adsorptive filtration (often referred to as carbon scrubbing). While the vast majority of undesirable chromophores (such as anthocyanins and chlorophylls) are insoluble in cold ethanol, some older or improperly treated feedstocks may release these contaminants. In these cases, the sorbent serves to quickly remove these impurities from the extract prior to solvent recovery. This simple yet efficient feature was added to give processors complete control and the ability to easily adapt to the unique needs of each batch.
After extraction, the ethanol-soaked biomass is dried before being removed from the machine to ensure safe and efficient operation. While other companies may use dangerous centrifuges to spin flammable solvents out of biomass, generating forces equivalent to thousands of times the force of gravity, CryoEXS uses intrinsically safe technology that has been used in industrial-scale extraction machines for decades. By applying a vacuum to the biomass and introducing superheated dry steam, ethanol can be safely distilled from the plant matter for reuse, all without putting the operator at risk. In addition, this technique minimizes wear and tear because it does not require any significant moving parts: an important consideration when handling flammable solvents at sub-zero temperatures.
Next, the filtered extract is forced through a vapor-driven solvent recovery system that quickly and efficiently recovers the solvent from the extract and then gently decarboxylates the concentrate.CryoEXS is designed for continuous operation, recovering latent heat from the cold ethanol stream coming out of the extractor and using it to help condense the solvent during the ethanol recovery process. This is just another way that CryoEXS is designed to work as efficiently as possible to reduce operating costs and improve the profitability of your business.
Advantages of CryoEXS
The CryoEXS system effectively integrates all necessary extraction and post-processing steps into one automated platform, reducing costs by reducing the physical footprint of the equipment; eliminating the need for multiple additional pieces of equipment; simplifying labor requirements to a single unskilled operator (or dual operator in Europe); and ensuring repeatable and reliable results through its advanced sensors and computer controls.
In addition to being an efficient, integrated industry solution, the CryoEXS is designed to comply with current European standard Good Manufacturing Practices (EU GMP). Each machine is equipped with its own customized EU GMP documentation, enabling processors to speed up the certification process, opening up the huge potential of foreign markets and safeguarding domestic distribution networks from future regulatory changes. Automatic cleaning in place (CIP) is a major cornerstone of the GMP design and is present on every CryoEXS model. In addition, all major wear parts are field serviceable.
Regular cleaning of the machine prevents the accumulation of residue, which most often accumulates in the solvent recovery system due to the heat required by the process.The automatic cleaning capability of the CryoEXS ensures optimal long-term performance and prevents cross-contamination and costly downtime. These benefits, combined with the best-in-class components used throughout the system, give CryoEXS unparalleled uptime and equipment life expectancy.
CryoEXS consumables are intentionally mitigated by thoughtful design, which can only be obtained through decades of experience in mass production extraction. DEVEX has been in the plant extraction system industry for decades; most of the company's early systems are still in use today. Despite being manufactured in Germany, common consumables such as gaskets, sight glasses and filters are used throughout the system as standard practice. This means that companies have numerous options when it comes to sourcing daily parts locally or globally. While Genco stocks all critical replacement parts and offers next-day delivery (within the U.S.) and unparalleled after-sales service, this flexibility in sourcing parts allows operators to find whatever parts they need locally when their own supply of spare parts runs out.
Using the same chillers trusted by companies such as Ford, Budweiser, Apple and Tesla, each chiller and cooling tower is customized to the unique climate and needs of each processing facility. Likewise, CryoEXS uses the same steam generators used by major manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Samsung and Procter & Gamble. The sanitary centrifugal pumps used to move ethanol, extracts and concentrates throughout the machine follow the same stringent quality requirements. Designed for food safety applications, these field serviceable pumps are designed for temperatures well below -40°C and are easy to disassemble for inspection or deep cleaning. The choice of steam stripping technology for ethanol extraction from biomass improves safety and reduces moving parts, further underscoring the reliability of the CryoEXS system.
The Root Sciences Advantage
Root Sciences is a global leader in process design, equipment distribution and support services, providing quality extraction, distillation and other post-treatment technologies to processing facilities in the cannabis and hemp industries.Root Sciences is more than just an equipment distributor, it has years of experience in cultivation and processing.The Root Sciences team has decades of combined cannabis Root Sciences represents premium extraction, distillation, THC remediation and nanoemulsification technologies.
As a single integrated provider of extraction and processing solutions, Root Sciences can determine the best process for your needs and size the equipment to meet your desired throughput.Root Sciences also offers professional consulting and engineering services, from market research and business plan consulting to process optimization and facility design.Root Sciences' industry relationships also allow the company to assist with lease and financing options of up to $10 million.
For Root Sciences, this sale is just the beginning, and the company's goal is to build long-term relationships with all of its customers. The training and after-sales support provided by Root Sciences' highly trained technicians after the equipment is delivered and installed shows a real increase in long-term value. In addition, customers receive personal service for the entire life cycle of each unit purchased from Genco. In addition, customers have the option to purchase extended service and maintenance packages to keep equipment in top condition and minimize the risk of operational downtime.
Investing in quality
CryoEXS entered the cannabis and hemp extraction market in 2019, using cold ethanol extraction technology to reduce the extraction process from days to hours. This simple, scalable and effective process has quickly become the method of choice for large-scale cannabis and hemp processing.
Today, CryoEXS offers a top-notch, automated, integrated extraction and post-processing solution that minimizes labor and increases efficiency.CryoEXS uses best-in-class components and clean integration technology to ensure maximum uptime and minimize the risk of costly downtime with minimal maintenance costs. Backed by the knowledge of DEVEX's German process engineers and Root Sciences' decades of cannabis processing experience, the CryoEXS system with its GMP-compliant design ensures that your company remains competitive in both domestic and international markets.
While working with Root Sciences to develop other molecular distillation, THC purification and nanoemulsification products, your company can offer a diverse range of products in the most popular forms.Root Sciences is an experienced partner that can provide the best solution for each step of your process and ensure your organization's smooth and efficient operations.
By integrating extraction and post-processing technologies into a single skid-mounted system, upfront capital investment and risk are minimized. This means a smaller footprint within the facility, eliminating the need for multiple fireproof environments for different processing stages. The workflow is greatly simplified, minimizing labor costs to run the facility and creating consistent annual savings.
When a single hour of downtime can potentially cost a business hundreds of thousands of dollars, and supply and sales contracts can be further jeopardized with extended downtime, the smart business owner should ask: What is the true cost of equipment failure? Of all the investments a business makes when opening a new processing facility, invest in the best technology currently available on the market.