Extraction Finder

The Extraction Finder is a real-time molecular monitoring system for botanical extraction, which is essential for consistently maximizing the amount of extracted compounds within a given plant material. This robust model will serve hydrocarbon and ethanol extractions. Not rated for use with C02 extractions.

The robust housing, which fully encloses the molecular sensor, can be easily installed in-line in the extraction design on sanitary flange end clamps. A 30′ sensor cable feeds this information to a high-quality touch-screen, which displays real-time levels of Cannabinoids, Chlorophyll and Lipids.

The Extraction Finder’s digital readout can be used to help operators learn about and dial-in their process, such as optimizing flow rate, solvent amount, filter efficiency, and general quality assurance and control. In the long run, this system will be your best friend in dialing-in the most effective standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Extraction Sensor

• Housed and enclosed by the Extraction Sensor Housing
• Connects and transmits to the digital display via 30′ sensor cable
• Plug and play – instantaneously analyzes the mixture flowing through the processing machine

Extraction Sensor Housing

• Attaches directly onto sanitary flange connections (1.5″ or 2″) at any point in your extraction line
• Houses the sensor, fully enclosing it from hazardous environments
• C1D1/D2 certification

Extraction Digital Display

• Tablet-sized display mounts directly onto a lab pole
• Connects and interprets the wavelength information from the sensor
• Touch-screen interface displays real-time molecular information about the contents of the extraction fluid throughout the process
• Includes long wiring, allowing it to be placed away from C1D1/D2 area

Key Software Features:

• Molecular Selection – Select from a growing list of key molecules, including Cannabinoids, Chlorophyll, and Lipids; see full list here
• Intensity Values – Track as molecular intensity levels increase and decrease throughout the process
• Data Logging – Record and export run data for traceability
• Software Updates – Upgrade to software releases easily from the field (extraction finder software)

Specifications

• Maximum Pressure: 240Psi
• Temperature: –70°C(min); 150°C(max)
• Mounting Plate: Available as an add–on
• Product Dimensions: 6.79in(L) x 5.39in(W)
• Wavelength of Excitation: 365 nm
• Optical Detection Range: 300–1000 nm
• Lower Detection Limit: <1mg/mL (at a volume of 1 cubic centimeter of oil)
• Resolution: Spectral resolution is 15 nm max
• Flow Rate Limit: No flow rate limit

Lack of objectivity during the extraction process

The purpose of botanical extraction processes, regardless of solvent used, is essentially to introduce a solvent to the biomass that will bind to, strip, and help obtain as much of the desirable compounds as possible. However, extraction operators have no solid metric to base their success on, aside from color in sight glasses or laboratory testing. While observing color can be done in-line, it is a subjective metric at best. While lab results are an objective metric, it is nearly impossible to correlate in practice and can take days or even weeks to obtain after a run.

While both of these are helpful techniques that should be utilized during the process, they should not be solely relied upon since they lack real-time objectivity. Subjective monitoring that is based on perception or guesswork is imprecise, inconsistent, and difficult to scale.

What is the effect of this lack of molecular monitoring during extraction? Batches that are sub-optimally extracted, resulting in either low yields or potency, and even wasted solvents and time.

Examples of Applications

The most popular applications of the Extraction Finder are hydrocarbon and ethanol extraction. The system can be installed in-line on extractors where there are 1.5” or 2” sanitary flange connections. Multiple units can be placed at multiple points of the extraction design.

Hydrocarbon extraction: The unit can be installed in-line between the material column and collection column. Pre-filtration or CRC, the unit’s live data can help you determine what flow rate optimizes both solvated mass & time. Post-filtration or CRC, it can confirm that Chlorophyll is not making it past the filter.

Ethanol extraction: The unit can be installed in-line at the recirculation area. It can be used to determine solvent saturation by seeing when the solvent has absorbed the majority of Cannabinoids.

The unit is so sensitive that it can even be helpful for confirmation of removal of molecules during a cleaning run.