Comprehensive Guide to Closed Loop Extraction Systems: Key Components Explained

November 15, 2024

Navigating the Basics of Closed Loop Extraction: Essential Components and Setup Tips

When delving into the world of extraction, particularly for beginners, understanding the various components and setup of a closed-loop system is crucial. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to setting up a standard 1lb top-fill closed-loop system, ideal for those starting their journey in extraction.

1. Starting with a Standard 1lb Top Fill Unit For newcomers, a simple 1lb top fill unit is recommended to ease the learning curve. This setup is less complex than larger systems like a 5lb active rack, making it easier to handle solvent movement and grasp the basics of extraction. As you gain experience, scaling up to more intricate systems becomes more manageable.

1. Vacuum Pump The vacuum pump is essential for initially evacuating air from your system, facilitating easier and safer solvent movement. It also helps maintain a clean internal atmosphere and is used for recovering solvent into an empty tank and purging residuals from extracts in an oven or chamber.
2. Choosing the Right Solvent Starting with a solvent like 100% N-Butane is advisable due to its lower pressure and ease of use for beginners. Typically, you should use about 5 lbs of solvent per pound of material, though this can vary slightly based on how densely the material is packed. As proficiency increases, experimenting with different solvent mixtures such as a 70/30 Butane and Propane blend or pure Propane can be considered, though be prepared for higher pressures.
3. Solvent Recovery Tank Match your recovery tank to your extractor’s capacity; for a 1lb system, a tank that can hold at least 5lbs of solvent is suitable. Opt for a larger tank for better vacuum efficiency and solvent storage. Stainless steel tanks are preferred over carbon steel to prevent contamination and rust, ensuring cleaner, higher-quality extracts.
4. Using a Refrigerant Scale Before introducing solvent into the system, accurately measure the amount using a refrigerant scale to monitor and manage solvent levels effectively. This ensures precise filling and recovery, crucial for maintaining consistency and safety in your extractions.
5. Vacuum Oven or Chamber with Heat Pad Depending on the scale and specifics of your operation, a vacuum oven or chamber with a heat pad will be necessary to purge residual solvents from the extract. These devices lower the boiling point of solvents like butane, enabling them to evaporate at lower temperatures, with added heat speeding up the process.
6. Dry Ice and Buckets Dry ice is essential for effective solvent recovery, outperforming regular ice in thermal capacity. You’ll need appropriate containers to manage the dry ice and maintain temperatures during the recovery phase.
7. Active Recovery Kit (Optional) For larger scale operations, consider an active recovery system to enhance the speed and efficiency of the solvent recovery process. This setup includes additional components like a recovery pump, offering advanced techniques and faster recovery times.
8. Safety Equipment: Explosion Proof Fan and Ventilation Safety cannot be overstated in extraction operations. Utilize explosion-proof fans and ensure adequate ventilation to prevent any risk of ignition. Keep all electrical equipment away from the extraction area to maintain a safe environment.

This guide provides a foundational understanding necessary for safely and effectively setting up a closed-loop extraction system. Each component plays a critical role in ensuring efficient, quality extractions while maintaining a high safety standard