Supercritical CO2 vs Hydrocarbon Extraction: Yield Comparison
来源: | 作者:selina | 发布时间 :2025-02-28 | 122 次浏览: | Share:

Supercritical CO2 vs Hydrocarbon Extraction: Yield Comparison

Introduction

For cannabis processors, maximizing yield is essential for profitability. CO2 supercritical extraction machines and hydrocarbon extraction systems both offer high efficiency, but which produces more usable product?

Understanding Extraction Yields

Yield in extraction refers to the percentage of usable cannabinoids and terpenes extracted from raw plant material. Factors affecting yield include solvent efficiency, post-processing, and material loss.

CO2 Supercritical Extraction Yield Performance

CO2 extraction offers high precision but is slightly slower than hydrocarbon extraction.

Advantages:

  • Selective Extraction: Extracts high-value compounds with minimal impurities.

  • Less Wastage: Minimal plant material is lost.

  • High Purity Yield: Less need for additional refinement.

Hydrocarbon Extraction Yield Performance

Hydrocarbon extraction can pull a higher total yield but often includes undesirable lipids and waxes.

Advantages:

  • High Raw Yield: Captures a large percentage of plant compounds.

  • Efficient for Bulk Processing: Faster turnaround for mass production.

Yield Comparison Table

FactorCO2 Supercritical ExtractionHydrocarbon Extraction
Total YieldModerate to highVery high
Usable YieldHigh (less waste)Requires purification
Post-Processing NeededMinimalExtensive

Case Study: Commercial Cannabis Extract Yields

  • CBD oil manufacturers prefer CO2 supercritical extraction machines for high-purity, solvent-free products.

  • THC extract producers using hydrocarbons often require additional winterization to remove impurities.

Conclusion

While hydrocarbons may produce higher total yield, CO2 supercritical extraction machines ensure higher purity and less post-processing, making them more efficient in the long run.


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