Today, we had the privilege of sitting down with John Digertt, the President of Hashatron, one of the leading manufacturers of solventless extraction equipment. As we dive into this Q&A session, we’ll explore the world of solventless extraction and shed light on its fascinating nuances.
We all know that both BHO and solventless methods are revered for producing high-quality live resin extracts. But what exactly sets them apart? We aim to answer this question as we delve into our discussion with John Digertt.
Hashatron, established in 2018 and based in Dunham, CT, specializes in crafting top-of-the-line solventless processing and extraction equipment for craft and commercial cannabis operations. With a team of skilled technicians and fabricators who bring expertise in mechanical, electrical, process automation, Chillers, and HVAC systems, Hashatron is committed to delivering innovative and efficient solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of the cannabis extraction industry.
What sets Hashatron apart is its comprehensive approach to equipment production. They take pride in handling every aspect of the manufacturing process under one roof, from rolling vessels and flanging tank heads to cutting, bending, welding, and PLC/wiring. This allows them to offer unmatched flexibility in handling custom projects, catering to small-scale and large-scale operations with daily throughputs ranging from pounds to tons.
Join us as we embark on an illuminating conversation with John Digertt, where we explore the intricacies of solventless extraction, its unique benefits, potential drawbacks, and how it stands against other extraction methods. We aim to provide valuable insights and guidance to enhance your cannabis extraction processes.
So, without further ado, let's uncover the secrets behind solventless extraction and gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable technique.
Question: Hey John, thanks for joining us today. Let’s dive right into it. In your experience, what are some important considerations when choosing a cannabis extraction method for your business?
Answer: When choosing a cannabis extraction method for your business, remember a few essential things. First and foremost is your budget - you'll want to ensure that your chosen method is cost-effective and efficient for your operation.
Another important consideration is the final products you or your customers want to make. Different extraction methods can produce different cannabis concentrates, so you'll want to choose a method that aligns with your desired end products and brand.
Lastly, it's essential to consider any current standard operating procedures (SOPs) required by the brands of products your company produces. Like, do they need a specific type of extraction for their product? Some brands may have particular requirements for the type of extraction method used, so be sure to take that into account when making your decision.
Question: Can you tell us about solventless extraction? What is it, and how does it differ from other extraction methods?
Answer: Butane hash oil, or BHO, is a cannabis extraction method that uses a pressurized solvent to strip the cannabinoids from the plant material. This solvent evaporates, leaving behind a highly concentrated cannabis extract.
On the other hand, solventless extraction uses mechanical agitation, such as heat or pressure, to remove trichomes from the plant material. This method doesn't involve the use of any solvents.
Question: What are the pros and cons of using solvent-based and solventless cannabis extraction methods, and should businesses invest in both types of equipment?
Answer: In our world of extraction, there are two main methods: solvent-based and solventless. Both approaches have pros and cons, but today many facilities are succeeding by using both in conjunction.
Solvent-based extraction, such as butane hash oil (BHO), can produce high yields and potent extracts. However, it also requires the use of potentially dangerous solvents and requires more equipment and safety precautions.
Conversely, solvent extraction is considered a safer and more natural way to extract cannabis concentrates. It doesn't require solvents but can be less efficient and produce lower yields.
Ultimately, an ideal brand or producer would have both types of equipment in their facility. By using both methods, businesses can upcycle the flower after the solventless extraction and place it into a solvent-based system for further extraction, maximizing overall yields and profits. However, it's essential to consider each method's cost and safety implications and weigh them against your business needs.
Question: Can you define solventless extraction and explain how it works?
Answer: Yea, so solventless extraction has been used for many years. It's a simple process that can be performed using both dry and wet methods, but the wet method, known as "ice water extraction," is more commonly used by modern companies.
Dry solventless extraction is often done on a smaller scale and can be cost-effective, using “waste” material like trim to produce concentrates. However, scaling up dry extraction can be challenging and costly due to the consumables required, such as nitrogen or CO2, and the difficulty of handling large amounts of dry trichomes.
Wet extraction, on the other hand, is a widely used process that has become more popular in commercial applications in recent years. Ice water extraction involves using mechanical agitation to separate the trichomes from the fresh-frozen biomass. The trichomes are then fluidized in cold water, separated from the water using filter media, and dried using air or freeze drying to remove residual water.
The main benefit of wet extraction is that the trichomes are easier to move and handle when fluidized in cold water, which prevents them from melting and sticking to surfaces. This makes the process more efficient and less messy than dry extraction.
Solventless extraction is a popular choice for those who want to avoid using solvents in their extraction process. While both dry and wet methods have advantages and disadvantages, companies may benefit from having both types of equipment in their facility to maximize yields and profits.
Question: What are some advantages of solventless extraction, and why might a business choose this method?
Answer: Several advantages of solventless extraction make it an attractive choice for businesses in the cannabis industry. Some of these advantages include:
As the name suggests, no solvents are used to extract the cannabis oil. So for those seeking a cleaner, more natural product, since no chemical solvents are used, the resulting extracts can maintain the natural flavors, aromas, and properties of the cannabis plant.
- High terpene retention: Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis that contribute to its unique flavors and therapeutic effects. Solventless extraction methods generally preserve more terpenes than solvent-based methods, producing a more flavorful and aromatic end product.
- No pressure vessels: Unlike certain solvent-based extraction methods that require the use of pressurized vessels, solventless extraction methods do not involve the need for such equipment. This can simplify the extraction process and reduce the potential risks of handling pressurized vessels.
- Less regulation and easier permitting: In some regions, solventless extraction methods may be subject to less stringent regulations and permitting requirements than solvent-based extraction methods. This can make it easier for businesses to obtain the necessary licenses and permits for operating their extraction facilities.
- Lower price point: Solventless extraction methods require less expensive equipment and materials than solvent-based methods. This can result in a lower initial investment cost for businesses looking to enter the extraction market.
- Economical large-scale scalability: Solventless extraction techniques, such as dry ice water hash or live rosin, can be easily scaled up to meet larger production demands. This scalability makes solventless extraction a cost-effective option for businesses aiming to produce cannabis products on a larger scale.
- Lower-skilled operator required: Some solvent-based extraction methods require specialized training and expertise to operate safely and effectively. In contrast, solventless extraction methods can be relatively more straightforward and may require less operator training, reducing the need for highly skilled personnel.
- No risk of fire or explosion: Since solventless extraction methods do not involve flammable solvents, they eliminate the risk of fire or explosion associated with specific solvent-based extraction processes. This enhances the safety of the extraction facility and reduces potential hazards.
- No consumable solvent cost: Solvent-based extraction methods often require large amounts of consumable solvents, which can add to the overall production costs. Solventless extraction methods eliminate the need for such solvents, lowering ongoing operational expenses.
- Ability to make various types of final products: Solventless extraction methods offer versatility in the range of cannabis products that can be produced. Whether it's dry ice water hash, infused pre-rolls, live rosin, vape cartridges, edibles, or drinks, solventless extraction techniques can be applied to create different forms of cannabis products.
Overall, the advantages of solventless extraction, including the absence of solvents during the extraction process, cleaner and more natural products, terpene retention, simplified equipment requirements, lower regulation burden, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced safety, make it an appealing choice for businesses operating in the cannabis industry.
Question: John, it’s clear that solventless extraction offers several advantages to other methods, but there are also some drawbacks when deciding whether to use this method. Can you enlighten us about some of the potential drawbacks of solventless extraction?
Answer: Yea, absolutely.
- Lower overall THC content: Solventless extraction may result in lower overall THC content in the final product than solvent-based extraction methods. This is because solventless extraction primarily collects THC from the trichomes of the biomass, while solvent-based extraction methods can extract THC from the entire biomass, including the plant material. This lower THC content could impact businesses prioritizing high THC potency in their products.
- Yield limitations: Solventless extraction methods may yield lower than certain solvent-based techniques. This is because solventless methods rely on physical separation and mechanical processes to extract cannabinoids and terpenes, which may not capture as much of these compounds as solvent-based methods. Lower yields could affect the profitability and production capacity of a business.
- Time-consuming process: Solventless extraction methods can be more time-consuming than solvent-based methods. Techniques like dry ice water hash or hand-pressing rosin require manual labor and multiple steps, slowing production. This could impact a business's ability to meet demand and affect overall efficiency.
- Variability in product consistency: Solventless extraction methods can be more challenging to control in achieving consistent product quality. Factors such as temperature, pressure, and extraction duration can vary, leading to variations in the final product's characteristics. This lack of consistency might challenge businesses that maintain uniformity across their product lines.
- Sensitivity to starting material quality: Solventless extraction methods can be more sensitive to the quality of the starting cannabis material. The trichome density, resin content, and overall freshness of the biomass can significantly impact the quality and yield of the final product. This sensitivity requires businesses to select high-quality starting materials to ensure desired outcomes carefully.
- Equipment and maintenance costs: While solventless extraction methods generally require less expensive equipment compared to solvent-based methods, there are still costs associated with the necessary machinery. These costs could affect the initial investment and ongoing expenses for a business. Additionally, maintenance requirements for specific solventless extraction equipment, such as rosin presses, may need to be considered.
- Limited scalability for certain methods: While solventless extraction techniques like dry ice water hash or hand-pressed rosin can be scaled up to a certain extent, they may have limitations in large-scale production. The labor-intensive nature of some solventless methods can become impractical or inefficient when dealing with significant volumes, potentially impacting production capabilities.
- Quality degradation over time: Solventless extracts, particularly those high in terpenes, may be more prone to degradation over time than solvent-based extracts. Exposure to heat, light, and oxygen can accelerate the degradation process and impact the product's flavor, aroma, and overall quality. Businesses need to consider appropriate storage and handling methods to mitigate these effects.
While the drawbacks of solventless extraction should be considered, businesses may still opt for this method considering its advantages, such as producing cleaner, more natural products, retaining high terpene content, avoiding residual solvents, and benefitting from simplified regulation and lower operational costs. Each business should carefully evaluate these factors based on its goals, product requirements, and market demands.
Question: Can you break down BHO extraction and tell us about what types of cannabis products are best suited for BHO extraction?
Answer: BHO (Butane Hash Oil) extraction is commonly used to extract cannabinoids from cannabis biomass. It involves using a pressurized solvent, typically butane, to strip the cannabinoids from the plant material. BHO extraction is well-suited for producing large quantities of concentrates like those commonly found in live resin vape cartridges. The process involves the following steps:
- Preparation: The biomass can be wet (fresh frozen) or dry (cured). Typically, trim, nugs, or whole plants. You can use any or all or a mix of those.
- Extraction: The biomass is loaded into a closed-loop system, and pressurized liquid butane is passed through the biomass. The butane acts as a solvent, dissolving the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.
- Separation: The butane-cannabinoid mixture is collected in a separate container. The solution is then purged of residual solvent through vacuum purging or solvent recovery, leaving behind a concentrated extract.
- Refinement: The extracted oil may undergo refinement processes, such as winterization or distillation, to remove impurities and enhance specific properties. However, this is typically only necessary with lower-quality biomass or low-quality extraction equipment.
The resulting BHO extract can produce various cannabis products, including vape cartridges, dabs, tinctures, edibles, and topicals.
Question: What are some advantages of BHO extraction, and why might a business choose this method?
Answer: Sure. So, BHO extraction offers several advantages, making it an attractive choice for businesses. Some of the benefits or pros of BHO extraction include the following:
- Higher THC yields: BHO extraction produces higher THC yields than other extraction methods. This higher THC yield can appeal to businesses making products with strong psychoactive effects. Using a pressurized solvent allows for the efficient extraction of cannabinoids, resulting in potent and concentrated extracts.
- Versatility in product creation: BHO extracts can create a wide range of cannabis products, including vape cartridges, which are popular among consumers. The versatility of BHO extraction allows businesses to diversify their product offerings and cater to different consumer preferences.
- Extraction of a broad spectrum of compounds: BHO extraction can extract a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis biomass. This allows for the creation of extracts that preserve the entourage effect—the synergistic interaction between various cannabis compounds—resulting in more holistic and potentially enhanced therapeutic benefits.
- Efficient and relatively fast process: BHO extraction is generally known for its efficiency and speed compared to other extraction methods. The pressurized solvent quickly dissolves the cannabinoids, facilitating the extraction process. This efficiency can be advantageous for businesses looking to streamline their production and meet market demands promptly.
- Scalability: BHO extraction methods can be scaled up to meet larger production requirements. This scalability enables businesses to expand their operations and increase output as demand grows.
- Established industry knowledge and equipment availability: BHO extraction has been widely used in the cannabis industry for years, leading to a wealth of knowledge, best practices, and available equipment. Businesses can leverage this expertise and access specialized BHO extraction systems and technologies.
Overall, the higher THC yields, versatility, efficiency, scalability, and industry familiarity make BHO extraction an attractive option for businesses aiming to produce potent cannabis products, such as vape cartridges. The ability to extract a broad spectrum of compounds also allows businesses to create extracts with enhanced therapeutic potential. Additionally, BHO extraction equipment's established knowledge and availability provide businesses with a foundation for efficient and effective extraction processes.
However, it's important to mention that there are some considerations and potential drawbacks associated with BHO extraction. These include:
- Safety concerns: BHO extraction involves working with pressurized flammable solvents, such as butane, which can pose safety risks if improperly handled. The potential for fire, explosion, and the release of harmful gases requires strict adherence to safety protocols, adequate ventilation systems, and proper operator training.
- Residual solvent removal: Ensuring thorough removal of residual solvents from the final product is crucial for consumer safety and regulatory compliance. Proper purging techniques, such as vacuum purging, are necessary to remove any traces of solvents and maintain product quality.
- The complexity of equipment and maintenance: BHO extraction systems can be more complex than other extraction methods, requiring specialized equipment and ongoing maintenance. Businesses must invest in quality equipment, regularly maintain and inspect it, and train operators on its safe and effective use.
- Regulation and compliance: BHO extraction may be subject to specific regulations and permitting requirements due to safety concerns and the use of volatile solvents. Businesses must stay up-to-date with local laws and ensure compliance with safety standards, extraction facility requirements, and product testing regulations.
- Consistency and quality control: Maintaining consistent product quality can be challenging with BHO extraction. Factors such as variations in starting material, extraction parameters, and equipment performance can impact the final product's characteristics. Implementing robust quality control processes and monitoring systems is essential for ensuring consistency and meeting consumer expectations. But the risks of inconsistency can also be mitigated through automated process control as the Luna equipment.
Businesses may choose BHO extraction for its higher THC yields, versatility, scalability, and established industry knowledge. However, careful attention to safety, regulatory compliance, and quality control measures is crucial to mitigate associated risks and ensure the production of safe and high-quality cannabis products.
Question: How do solventless and BHO extraction advantages and disadvantages compare?
Answer: Yeah, let's compare and contrast the pros and cons of solventless extraction and BHO extraction:
Pros:
- No solvents contact the cannabis material during production: Solventless extraction methods, such as dry ice water hash or hand-pressed rosin, do not require solvents, ensuring a clean and solvent-free final product.
- Cleaner, more natural product: Solventless extracts are considered more natural since no chemical solvents are involved in the extraction process.
- High terpene retention: Solventless extraction methods generally preserve a higher concentration of terpenes, resulting in flavorful and aromatic extracts.
- No pressure vessels: Solventless extraction techniques typically do not require pressurized vessels, reducing the risk of accidents or equipment failures associated with high-pressure systems.
- Less regulation and easier permitting: Solventless extraction methods often have fewer regulatory requirements than solvent-based methods, making obtaining permits and complying with regulations easier.
- Lower level price point: Solventless extraction methods can be more cost-effective, eliminating the need for expensive solvents and specialized equipment.
- Economical large-scale scalability: Solventless extraction techniques can be scaled up to meet larger production demands without significant additional costs.
- Lower skilled operator required: Solventless extraction methods are generally more straightforward and require less specialized training for operators when compared to manually operated BHO or ethanol equipment.
Cons:
- Lower overall THC content: Solventless extraction may result in lower overall THC content than solvent-based methods, as it primarily collects THC from the trichomes, while solvent-based methods can extract THC from the entire biomass.
- Yield limitations: Solventless extraction methods may have lower yields than solvent-based techniques, impacting profitability and production capacity.
- Time-consuming process: Solventless extraction methods, such as dry ice water hash or hand-pressing rosin, can be more time-consuming due to manual labor and multiple steps involved.
- Variability in product consistency: Solventless extraction methods can be more challenging to control in achieving consistent product quality, which may require additional efforts for quality control.
BHO Extraction:
Pros:
- Higher THC yields: BHO extraction produces higher THC yields compared to solventless extraction methods.
- Versatility in product creation: BHO extracts can create a wide range of cannabis products, such as vape cartridges, allowing product diversification.
- Extraction of a broad spectrum of compounds: BHO extraction can extract a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, allowing for the creation of extracts with potential entourage effects.
- Efficient and relatively fast process: BHO extraction is generally known for its efficiency and speed compared to solventless extraction methods.
- Scalability: BHO extraction methods can be scaled up to meet larger production requirements.
- Established industry knowledge and equipment availability: BHO extraction has been widely used in the cannabis industry, providing access to knowledge, best practices, and available equipment.
Cons:
- Safety concerns: BHO extraction involves handling pressurized flammable solvents, presenting a risk of explosions or fires if not appropriately managed.
- Risk of residual solvents in the final product if not properly purged. Thorough purging is necessary to remove any residual solvents and ensure product safety.
- Higher initial investment and installation costs: BHO extraction typically requires specialized equipment and modifications to meet safety and regulatory standards, resulting in higher upfront costs.
- Increased permitting and regulation: BHO extraction is subject to more stringent regulations and permitting requirements due to safety concerns associated with volatile solvents. Compliance with these regulations can be time-consuming and may require additional resources.
- The complexity of equipment and maintenance: BHO extraction systems can be more complex than solventless extraction methods, requiring specialized equipment and ongoing maintenance.
- Potential for variability in product quality: Factors such as variations in starting material, extraction parameters, and equipment performance can impact the final product's characteristics and consistency, necessitating strict quality control measures.
Both solventless extraction and BHO extraction offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Depending on a business's specific needs and goals, both methods may be considered to maximize yield, profitability, and product offerings.
Question: John, can you share some final thoughts for our potential customers as they think about BHO or Solventless methods and equipment?
Answer: Absolutely; here are some key takeaways that people should consider:
- Large-scale producers commonly use solventless and BHO extraction to maximize their yields, diversify product offerings, and increase profitability.
- Businesses should consider factors such as budget, local regulations, production throughput, product diversity, and consumer demand when selecting a cannabis extraction method.
- Having solventless extraction and BHO extraction equipment in their facility can offer businesses flexibility and the ability to cater to different market demands.
- We recommended that businesses conduct thorough research, consult industry experts, and consider their unique business needs when making decisions regarding extraction methods.
- Additional resources, such as reaching out to companies experienced in extraction and conducting comprehensive research, can provide valuable information and guidance in making informed decisions.
- Ultimately, businesses should carefully evaluate their specific circumstances and goals to determine the most suitable extraction method.
Question: Thanks for joining us today. Great speaking with you.
Answer: You’re welcome. Thanks for having me.
