Entry-level CO2 Extraction

[Calimed]

Just picked up an 8oz. open CO2 extraction machine (up to 4000psi) to play around with ! There seems to be little information available regarding CO2 extraction on here so I'd like to dedicate this thread to document and discuss the processes to achieve various forms of extract.

My goal with this unit is mainly to create a runny terpene rich oil that will work well in e-pens with little to no dilution, but will also experiment with shatter and wax.

At room temperature, when filled, the psi reads ~1200psi. The suggested psi to start with from the instructions that came with the machine is 1800psi. I've read that good terpene retention can be had at ~850psi. I plan to initially test the unit with runs from 850-1800psi to see how effective the yields will be before adventuring up to ~3800psi.

I'm not sure exactly how much CO2 will be required, but will document how many pounds were used for each extraction and at what psi.

Per instructions, the CO2 tank can be heated up to 120F in a water bath to obtain 1800psi, then heat is added to the extraction chamber if a higher psi is required.

As expected, the machine will only be ran in a well ventilated/open environment.

 

[Chonkski]

May I ask what kind of unit? And price?

My eyes grew the size of basketballs when seeing your pics!

 

[Calimed]

It is from Jyndustriez and cost $2195. MUCH cheaper than an Eden or Apek...but the CO2 isn't recycled. CO2 is pretty cheap, but it could take 50-100lbs worth just to fully extract a single packing...not really sure how much it'll need yet.

 

[Chonkski]

Very interesting!! I may have to consider buying one if these in the near future for our line of Vape carts so we can cut out the PEG.

Exciting to look forward to your yields and production costs!

 

[A6 Grower]

i'd switch those clamps for some high pressure ones. Cant wait to see what you make, good luck!!

 

[Chonkski]

i'd switch those clamps for some high pressure ones. Cant wait to see what you make, good luck!!

I was thinking the same thing, but I think the pressure is intended to release as it raises, not sure if the collection vessel would see pressures over 150psi

That was just my assumption though. If not then I completely agree

 

[Chonkski]

Please correct me if I'm wrong, BTW.

 

[Red Bear]

must release as pressure rises, seems kinda pricey for what it is...

 

[Calimed]

You are right Chonski, the collection chamber burps when the psi hits 150.

I agree that the price is slightly inflated, but most of that price is for the design/machining of the extraction tube and plugs.

 

[Chonkski]

You are right Chonski, the collection chamber burps when the psi hits 150.

Good to know, thanks. Looking forward to future runs!

 

[Gray Wolf]

I was thinking the same thing, but I think the pressure is intended to release as it raises, not sure if the collection vessel would see pressures over 150psi

That was just my assumption though. If not then I completely agree

The pressure relief on the scuba unit JYN loaned us was set at 150 psi. The idea is to maintain enough pressure in the boil off chamber, to keep the CO2 from turning into a block of dry ice.

For this application, I would upgrade to high pressure clamps as well, which are rated at about 300 psi @ 70F and 200 psi at 250F, with PTFE gaskets and about 50 in/lb torque.

Hee, hee, hee, the end plug locks should be adequate.

 

[Calimed]

The pressure relief on the scuba unit JYN loaned us was set at 150 psi. The idea is to maintain enough pressure in the boil off chamber, to keep the CO2 from turning into a block of dry ice.

For this application, I would upgrade to high pressure clamps as well, which are rated at about 300 psi @ 70F and 200 psi at 250F, with PTFE gaskets and about 50 in/lb torque.

Hee, hee, hee, the end plug locks should be adequate.

Thanks for the advice Grey Wolf and A6 Grower! I'll order some high pressure clamps and PTFE gaskets right away.

 

[dopecook]

dang, that is super cool.

 

[juggo]

That thing is way awesome! Seems they are getting affordable.So how much for 100 lbs of co2, and what is the capacity,8 ozs? Looks like it would hold more than that. Real curious to see how it performs,would be great to reuse the co2 as well. Anxious to see what that thing can do!

peace,
juggo

 

[apollojmr]

Interested

Interested

I am very interested to watch the progress here.

 

[Calimed]

Started testing out the machine and ran 50lbs at room temperature, 75f, 1200psi on the meter, which never rests lower than ~300psi. The result after waiting for the condensation to vanish, was ~5ml of a milky liquid...water, and a hint of oil. As I predicted, the pressure needs to go higher.

Put a 20lb tank in a 120f water bath and started extracting at 1800psi. The instructions say to pull the tank out of the water once the pressure drops below 1500. This happens after a couple burps. I'm wondering if to maximize extraction, I need to consistently raise the pressure back up to 1800 or if a brief spike is all that is required? I raised the psi back up to 1800 a few times once it dropped to 1500, briefly pausing the extraction each time, then pulled the tank out of the water bath and allowed the extraction to continue until the pressure dropped below 1000. At this point I closed off the tank and allowed the remaining pressure to release in order to verify if extract was being collected.

The collection chamber was put into a warm water bath until the condensation was gone, wiped dry, and opened to reveal a small amount of golden orange oil and several drops of milky water. The aroma was intense, smelled just like the material that was put in. At first, there appeared to be a glob or two of wax, but that quickly melted into the water/oil mixture.

Now that I've verified it works, I'll do a longer run at 1800psi. I'll also wait a bit longer to open the collection chamber.

@Juggo, it costs around $90-100 for 100lb of CO2. I was able to fit 6oz shake/buds in the tube. Depending on the material, I might be able to stuff a bit more in there.

 

[apollojmr]

I am glad to see the progress and I hope you figure out this system and keep posting to show us the possibilities.

 

[krunchbubble]

Started testing out the machine and ran 50lbs at room temperature, 75f, 1200psi on the meter, which never rests lower than ~300psi. The result after waiting for the condensation to vanish, was ~5ml of a milky liquid...water, and a hint of oil. As I predicted, the pressure needs to go higher.

Put a 20lb tank in a 120f water bath and started extracting at 1800psi. The instructions say to pull the tank out of the water once the pressure drops below 1500. This happens after a couple burps. I'm wondering if to maximize extraction, I need to consistently raise the pressure back up to 1800 or if a brief spike is all that is required? I raised the psi back up to 1800 a few times once it dropped to 1500, briefly pausing the extraction each time, then pulled the tank out of the water bath and allowed the extraction to continue until the pressure dropped below 1000. At this point I closed off the tank and allowed the remaining pressure to release in order to verify if extract was being collected.

The collection chamber was put into a warm water bath until the condensation was gone, wiped dry, and opened to reveal a small amount of golden orange oil and several drops of milky water. The aroma was intense, smelled just like the material that was put in. At first, there appeared to be a glob or two of wax, but that quickly melted into the water/oil mixture.

Now that I've verified it works, I'll do a longer run at 1800psi. I'll also wait a bit longer to open the collection chamber.

@Juggo, it costs around $90-100 for 100lb of CO2. I was able to fit 6oz shake/buds in the tube. Depending on the material, I might be able to stuff a bit more in there.

Pics of the finished product?

To me it seems like co2 itself, for the amount you use, is way too expensive...

 

[Calimed]

That is basically the same conclusion I've come to as well. After running 2 25lb tanks at 1800psi (~3 hours each), the end result was a only a few grams of golden goo. The taste was rich and dabbed smooth, but would've been able to produce a couple ounces of BHO for the cost in CO2 that was used.

TBH, instead of tinkering with it more, I'm going to sell or repurpose the unit and go back to butane.

Here are a couple pictures of what came out. After a few days, most of the excess water dried out and the waxier chunks became more translucent.

 

[Gry]

Fine effort and nice thread.