Why Temp Control in Cannabis Extraction and Distillation Matters

Due to an increase in cannabis legalization throughout the US, there’s been an increase in demand for processing equipment. Almost 50% of all hemp grown becomes a CBD extract on some level, whether for supplemental or pharmaceutical purposes. In order for the extraction and distillation processes to occur, the facility must adhere to a carefully designed set of temperature controls. Lack of specialized temperature control affects the final product’s quality, which is why temp control in cannabis extraction and distillation matters.

Temperature Control for Extraction

There are a variety of ways to extract crude oil from the plant. The majority of processors remove impurities such as waxes and lipids to create a final human-grade product. Processors use polar and nonpolar properties to dissolve compounds within the plant.

Each extraction method, including the following, requires precise temperature control:

• Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction
• Pressurized hydrocarbon extraction
• Alcohol extraction
• Lipid extraction

Temperature Control for Distillation

To prevent degradation, maintaining target temperatures is critical. Before distillation of the extract occurs, the oil remains in a crude state, as it contains 20 to 60 percent of the cannabinoids. The refinement method chosen will vary based on the extraction method used.

Temp control in cannabis extraction and distillation matters for precise processing from start to finish. Here are the distillation methods that require precise heating:

• Winterization
• Decarboxylation
• Vacuum distillation
• Crystallization

Additional Temp Control Applications

In addition to strict temperature control for extraction and distillation methods, various other processes require close monitoring of temperatures. Some critical phases, such as postharvest handling, storage, and chemical preparation, also have temperature-sensitive needs. Other phases include:

• Flash-freezing
• Storage and transport of hemp in a frozen or dried state
• Ethanol storage

If you’re operating a facility that needs a PID temp controller, reach out to Beaker & Wrench today. The importance of temperature in any stage of cannabis processing requires adequate measurements and monitoring, and we’re here to help.