Assessing the Performance of Vapor-Static Extraction Systems

When considering a new extraction system for your cannabis or hemp business, understanding its overall performance is paramount. 

Over the past few years since the inception of Vapor-Static extraction, numerous projects have meticulously tracked performance data. In this blog, we delve into this data to evaluate how the Vapor-Static system has been performing.

Where Vapor-Static Units Have Been Tested

Vapor-Static units have undergone a gamut of testing across the United States, spanning various types of facilities, target cannabinoids, and environmental conditions. Some tests were conducted on home turf in Arvada, Colorado, where Boulder Creek Technologies is situated, while others occurred in locations such as Utah and Oregon. 

The diversity in testing environments and conditions enriches our understanding of these systems' overall performance, strengthening the conclusions we can derive.

How Did Vapor-Static Systems Perform?

Our journey into performance begins with an assessment of the pilot unit. Boulder Creek Technologies initiated the pilot test at their Arvada, Colorado office. This unit processed CBD oil from hemp sourced from different growers, encompassing six distinct hemp types. The data gleaned from this endeavor revealed that, under specific conditions, the Vapor-Static unit boasts an average extraction efficiency of 91.63%.

Next on our performance radar are the results from the unit tested in Portland, Oregon - a Vapor-Static unit (VS 5000) engineered to process 5000 lbs. of biomass daily. Test outcomes exhibited variability, attributed to optimization testing conducted during the data collection period. Nevertheless, the VS 5000 yielded THC oil with concentrations reaching up to 86.72%.

Continuing our performance analysis, we turn to the Boulder Creek Technology shop in Arvada, where a VS 1000 underwent testing before being dispatched to western Oregon. The hemp biomass featured an average cannabinoid concentration of 10.64% by weight. Similar to the VS 5000, this unit was subjected to optimization testing during data collection, leading to varying results due to adjustments in operating parameters such as air flow rate, oven temperatures, and oven configuration. 

Over two and a half months, data from 27 runs was compiled, indicating a cannabinoid concentration of 4.40% in the spent hemp, equating to an average cannabinoid extraction efficiency of 58.64%.

For the VS 1000 tested in Arvada and subsequently relocated to Western Oregon, available data is currently limited. Nevertheless, preliminary data collected during the commissioning stage offers insights. Approximately 5% of the input biomass was obtained as raw oil, containing 69% CBD. This translates to 3.45% of the material extracted from the raw biomass comprising CBD. The initial CBD content of the biomass stood at a modest 5.34%. Based on past experience, biomass with higher initial CBD content tends to exhibit superior extraction rates.

In summary, 91 tests were conducted on Vapor-Static units, yielding an average vaporization efficiency of 75.31%, with a maximum value of 93.24%. The average cannabinoid content in the produced oil was 70.03%, with a maximum value of 78.8%.

These results underscore the promising future of the Vapor-Static system, offering processors and manufacturers an exceptional means to enhance their cannabis and hemp businesses. To explore the Vapor-Static system further, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact Maratek for additional information.