A unique feature of cannabis is all the ways you can distill the plant to reach your desired outcomes. Understanding your process can contribute significantly to your outcomes. Two ways that vary in cost, scale, and technology are wiped film and short path. Let’s go over what to know before buying wiped film distillation equipment to help you decipher the differences between the two methods.
Wiped Film
So, what is wiped film distillation, and what should you know? A wiped film process is a deviation of the short path method. It’s a simpler process, but it is highly effective when performed correctly. The wiped film utilizes a continuous feed, making it more suitable for high production rates.
While under the vacuum process, crude oil enters the vertical cylinder and lands on the rotating plate. A specially designed wiper moves the oil across the plate and creates a thin film. The thin film allows for an efficient transfer of heat. The primary concept is to strip the crude oil of low boiling components such as leftover volatiles and unwanted terpenes.
ProsOne of the most significant pros of wiped film distillation is the even and efficient distribution of heat created through the thin film. Typically, it doesn’t matter how viscous the fluid is, and the distribution is still the same. The product results are high-quality and are typically made in large-scale batches. Another pro to know before buying wiped film distillation equipment is that when run on a continuous loop, there is a reduction in exposure time for the oil, and the overall productivity increases. |
ConsOne of the only cons, which shouldn’t tremendously hinder production, is the need for multiple passes. There are usually leftover components such as volatiles on the first pass. A second distillation pass requires more time but will result in a higher quality product overall. |
What Is Short Path Distillation?
A short path method requires a more detailed setup. It uses an apparatus containing a multi-position receiver and condenser unit. The operator generally needs comprehensive experience to produce a high-quality product.
One of the most significant differences between the short path and wiped film processes is their equipment specifications and the length of time needed to complete each process. The crude oil undergoes a boiling process through a flask connected to a magnetic stirrer. The condenser unit goes through a circulated chilling process that takes the cannabinoid vapors and converts them into liquid states.
To learn more about cannabis oil processing equipment and determine the best for your operation, reach out to Beaker & Wrench today. We offer a wide range of equipment and knowledge to complement all production goals!
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