Fractional Distillation
Application Note
Often the final step in the cannabinoid extraction process, fractional distillation has an outsized impact on product purity and potency. Fractional distillation can be accomplished using a variety of equipment like short path distillation apparatus and wiped film evaporators. The equipment used is driven by factors like desired production rate (throughput) and whether a batch or a continuous process will be used. In either case, it is critical that deep, stable vacuum be supplied to separate fractions at the lowest possible temperature. Using precise vacuum control allows for more efficient separation of plant oils and terpenes, giving you fractions that are purer and more potent.
Faster Fractions with Deep Vacuum
Supplying deeper vacuum to the still or reactor vessel means that fractions boil off faster. It is critical to select a vacuum pump which can provide a deep, strong vacuum. Working at a deeper vacuum level also means that the process can be completed at lower temperature. This maintains product integrity, resulting in greater potency.
Fractional distillation typically requires a pump that can supply vacuum down to 10-3 torr. This is the right pressure range to distill fractions from refined cannabinoid oil at moderate temperatures that do not cause the oil to thermally degrade. When you choose a pump for your distillation process, make sure that it provides you with enough flow in the pressure range you need to work in. Review published pump curves to verify you have found the right pump, or talk with your pump manufacturer to find the right pump for your process. Also consider maintenance requirements and the operating costs of different pumps - what is the cost in time and money of downtime for maintenance, oil changes, and operating a cold trap for each pump you are considering? Remember, no two processes are exactly the same so it’s always good to verify that your pump is sized correctly
Purer Fractions with Precise Control
Just as it’s important to have the right pump to supply vacuum, using the right control system is also critical. Without precise control over process conditions, distilled fractions will not be pure – multiple components can, and will, boil off together. But by implementing vacuum control to hold vacuum stable in a tight range, you will be able to separate terpenes, plant oils, and contaminants into discrete fractions.
By combining precise vacuum control with a strong, reliable vacuum pump, you collect fractions that are not only purer but also higher in potency
Solutions for Fractional Distillation
VACUUBRAND offers pump and control solutions that are ideal for fractional distillation. The oil-free VACUU·PURE® 10C pump provides strong flow even at deep vacuum levels. The pump will get you down to the right vacuum level quickly and minimize process time. And our intuitive, touch-screen VACUU·SELECT® controller provides precise control over the vacuum level so you can separate out terpenes from plant oils. The controller holds the right vacuum level so that you can work at a lower temperature, preventing thermal degradation and improving product potency
3.8x10-3 torr ult. vacuum, 150 LPM
- High flow at deep vacuum
- Oil-free, low maintenance pump for continuous operation
- Cold trap is unnecessary in many cases
- Collect purer fractions with precise control
- Hold the right vacuum level and keep temperature low to improve potency
Get the Right Pump for Your Fractional Distillation
No two processes are exactly the same. VACUUBRAND will work with you to find the right pump to meet your technical and budgetary requirements. Contact our factory-trainied technical team to find the best pump for your process via email at info@brandtech.com or call 888-522-2726.