Blogs

Scale Up Your Oil Purification with Pilot-Scale Wiped-Film Molecular Stills

Posted on February 26, 2025

Scale Up Your Oil Purification with Pilot-Scale Wiped-Film Molecular Stills

As demand grows for new formulations and increased purities of oils and fats, bridging the gap between lab research and industrial production has become more critical than ever. Pilot-scale molecular stills are the perfect solution—a logical bridge between the lab bench and the production floor. They allow for creating drums of customer samples, meeting material demands, and serving as accurate testing and scale-up tools for large-scale commercialization projects. Whether you’re refining edible and essential oils, bio-based materials, or specialty extract distillates, these molecular short-path distillation systems are designed to meet your unique purification needs, from customer validation to compliance with cGMP, all while enabling the development of new and improved products.

Why Choose Molecular Stills for Purifying Oils and Fats?

Pope 6" Stainless Steel XP Wiped Film Molecular Still Pilot Plant System

Pope 6″ Stainless Steel XP Wiped Film Molecular Still Pilot Plant System

Molecular stills excel at purifying oils and fats due to their ability to separate heat-sensitive, high-boiling-point compounds without degradation. This is achieved through optimized designs featuring high-vacuum continuous operation, which decreases boiling temperatures, and efficiently wiped evaporation surfaces, which limit heat exposure to mere seconds. The results include greater yield and purity, as well as product separations and creations not possible by any other means. Importantly, this continuous-mode technology does not require chemical additives, preserving the integrity of natural products. This is particularly important for applications such as:

  • Edible Oils: Removing contaminants and improving yield, flavor, and shelf life.
  • Essential Oils and Fragrances: Preserving aromatic compounds while ensuring purity.
  • Bio-Based Materials and Specialty Chemicals: Achieving high-purity end products for advanced applications.

Real-World Impact: Purifying Oils with Pope Molecular Stills

At Pope Scientific, we’ve collaborated with companies worldwide in the oils and fats industries to optimize their purification processes. For example, a specialty oil producer sought to remove undesirable compounds to meet FDA compliance while preserving the delicate flavor profile of their products. By utilizing Pope’s expert testing and tolling services and investing in a Pope pilot-scale molecular still system, they achieved:

  • Higher purity, yield, and appearance with no thermal degradation or flavor shift.
  • Scalability for larger production runs, including reduced energy consumption and material costs.
  • Market expansion with new premium-grade and customized flavor products.

Stepping Beyond Molecular Stills with Pope Hybrid Still System Technology

4” Stainless Steel Hybrid Wiped-Film Distillation

Multi-column design allowing for mid-column feed. Discreet controls and manual operation.

For applications involving compounds with multiple components close in boiling point, a greater degree of separation of heat-sensitive materials is required than molecular distillation alone can provide. For these situations, Pope has developed Hybrid Stills, combining the gentle wiped-film evaporation technique with the high-resolution separation power of multi-theoretical-plate fractional columns. These systems deliver sharper separation cuts for feed materials. Examples include:

  • Customizing flavor variations in citrus, mint, and other oils.
  • Fine separation of C-14, C-16, and C-18 peaks in FFA and FAME for optimal yield and purity.
  • Concentrating DHA, EPA, and other Omega-3 esters from fish or fermented oils.

Prove Your Concept with In-House Lab Trials

  • Proof-of-concept validation with your material, plus determination of the optimal still system design.
  • A pathway to outsourcing through Pope’s toll processing services before your equipment delivery.
  • Actionable knowledge for experimenting, piloting, and operating your own equipment

Why Choose Pope Scientific?

With over 50 years of experience, Pope Scientific has been a trusted partner for companies looking to elevate their distillation processes. Our solutions for purifying oils and fats cater to industries including foods, flavors, fragrances, vitamins, supplements, cannabinoids, terpenes, waxes, botanical extracts, surfactants, monoglycerides, triglycerides, cosmetics, biofuels, and many other oils and derivatives. Our equipment and services offer:

  • Customizable Solutions: Tailored to meet your specific needs.
  • Proven Performance: Trusted by leading companies worldwide and validated for cGMP processing.
  • Exceptional Support: From process development to installation and beyond.

Take Your Process to the Next Level
Ready to scale up your oil purification process? Discover how pilot-scale wiped-film stills from Pope Scientific can help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to schedule an in-house lab trial and take the first step toward production success!

Utilizing Pope Scientific Wiped-Film Distillation for Medical Silicone Purification

Posted on November 21, 2024

Utilizing Pope Scientific Wiped-Film Distillation for Medical Silicone Purification

 

Pope Scientific: Leaders in Advanced Distillation Technology

Pope Scientific is a global leader in equipment and technology for the distillation of materials that are high in heat sensitivity, boiling point, molecular weight, and/or viscosity. The company’s Wiped-Film Molecular (Short-Path) Stills are internationally recognized and utilized across a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, foods, flavors, cosmetics, oils, vitamins, lubricants, specialty chemicals, polymers, and other high-value products.

The success of these distillation systems in such applications is attributable to their design features, which incorporate high vacuum, high-efficiency wipers that agitate and transport a thin film of continuously pumped feed material. This material undergoes short (seconds) residence time through a heated zone, where the more volatile components are evaporated and condensed in close proximity. The result is a high-purity, non-degraded product.

Applications in Polymers

Pope 2 stage 12" Wiped Film Still

Pope 2 stage 12″ Wiped Film Still

Pope’s distillation technology is highly effective in processing various types of polymers, such as acrylics, latexes, isocyanates, epoxies, fluoropolymers, and silicones. Common goals in these applications include devolatilization, degassing, solvent removal, and the distillation of unwanted monomers, dimers, and other contaminants from the higher molecular weight product. In some cases, the monomers or shorter chains are distilled as the end products, with the heavier residue stream being a byproduct.

Silicones targeted for high-performance use must meet higher purity standards than commodity grades. This often requires enhanced devolatilization using molecular stills. Achieving these purity levels demands greater vacuum levels, carefully controlled temperatures, and multi-stage distillation strategies. Pope’s equipment and process expertise make it a trusted partner for the silicone industry. High-grade silicones are critical in applications such as specialized encapsulants, adhesives, and lubricants, with medical applications being among the most stringent. In medical-grade silicones, it is particularly vital to eliminate harmful components, such as cyclic siloxanes.

Medical Applications and Silicone Purification

Several years ago, significant issues arose in the use of silicone in breast and other implants. Patients experienced severe health problems, sometimes long after implantation. One cause was the migration of smaller chain silicone molecules and other insufficiently removed materials, leading to complications. Molecular distillation to achieve greater purity was a key solution to this problem. Pope’s technology played a significant role in resolving these issues.

Pope’s Wiped-Film Stills have also been instrumental in producing ophthalmological materials. Vitreous humor, the gel-like fluid filling the space between the iris and retina, may require replacement in certain medical conditions or traumas. A small number of European specialty vendors manufacture artificial vitreous humor fluids, often formulated with silicone. The development and processing of these fluids were conducted in Pope’s testing and tolling labs, enabling companies to procure molecular stills for use in their facilities.

Other ophthalmological applications for Pope’s equipment include materials for artificial corneas (keratoprostheses), which are implanted into patients who are not candidates for human donor transplants. While silicone is used in some cases, other polymers are also applied. Pope’s distillation equipment is also employed in the production of materials for contact lenses, eyeglasses, and UV inhibitors.

Other Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications

Pope’s technology has been critical in refining medical materials such as artificial heart valves, aortic repair sleeves, polymers for severe burn treatments, suture formulations, dental cement, and various implanted devices and prostheses. Additionally, Pope distillation equipment is widely used in the production of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and dermatological creams and ointments.

For more information or to discuss your silicone application, contact us today.

How it Works: Wiped Film Molecular Cannabinoid & Terpene Distillation

Posted on August 28, 2024

How it Works: Wiped Film Molecular Cannabinoid & Terpene Distillation

 

Wiped Film Molecular Distillation

The Pope Difference in Cannabinoid Purification and Terpene Distillation

Pope Wiped-Film Molecular Stills are a special type of short-path distillation equipment. These are continuous mode systems, as opposed to simple batch mode boiling flask stills (the latter often referred to as “short-paths”, though ironically, these are not truly short path designs as discussed in the next paragraph). The diagram below of the cannabinoid distillation purification process illustrates the means of this technology and shows the flow of the feed material and the separation of component fractions within the equipment. This same purification process and equipment can be used for various cannabinoid distillation such as the processing of CBD, THC, THCV, CBG, CBT, CBN, CBC & others.

In wiped film processes, feed material is delivered from a feed flask or a pump into the inner wall of a vertical cylindrical evaporation section, heated from the outer wall, (either electric resistance or circulating hot fluid jacket type).   Internally, rotating diagonally slotted wipers force liquid around and downward in as highly turbulent, thin film on the inner wall.  The moving liquid is heated via conduction through the wall. During the quick journey downward, lighter (lower boiling point) fractions of the liquid begin to vaporize.  Heavier residue material (Chlorophyll, large lipids, salts, sugars, heavy wax fractions), does not evaporate and continues the travel down the full length of the still body, falling into a residue receiver flask or discharge pump.

cannabinoid distillation, terpene distillation
Cannabinoid Purification
Within the evaporation body there is a vertical internal condenser positioned central, parallel, and close to, the full length of the cylindrical evaporation surface, providing a short path for evaporated vapor molecules traveling from the heated surface to the condenser surface. For cannabinoid distillation, the internal condenser fluid must be kept elevated (~70°C) to prevent high viscosity or freeze-up of the condensed THC, CBD, and other component vapors.

Due to the optimized, continuous Pope equipment design, this all happens with high evaporation efficiency and within a number of seconds, (instead of hours of high-temperature exposure in batch type “short-paths”), and under vacuum-lowered temperatures, thus minimizing any possibility of product degradation.

Prior to the cannabinoid distillation pass through the wiped film still, there is a first pass in which terpenes and any other lighter end components are removed by distillation from the feed material and collected as a distillate.  The terpenes and other light components can be condensed in the internal condenser and an optional external condenser.  The residue from this pass is collected in a different flask or vessel until all the feed material has been depleted.  The residue contains the cannabinoids and heavy compounds and this fraction will then be fed through the still again as a second pass as has been previously described.  This first pass boosts the cannabinoid percentage and decreases the volatility of the feed material such that the cannabinoid distillation pass will behave better, resulting in optimized purity and yield.

While cannabinoids are caught and collected by the internal condenser, a different, external condenser, maintained at a chilled temperature, can capture terpenes (which are lighter than cannabinoids). The terpene isolate is then collected in another, separate receiver flask. Depending on the composition of the feed material and the goals of the operator some quantities of terpene isolation are obtainable which can be very useful for various product formulations. Any remaining vapors which escape both the internal and external condensers and which may contain small amounts of solvents, water, or lighter terpene components, are collected in a cold trap maintained at an ultra-low temperature. The trap serves the purpose of maintaining lowered vacuum levels in the still system and protecting the vacuum pump from contamination from the light vapors.

It is important to maintain a steady feed rate, body temperature, and vacuum level. In the standard glass molecular still systems, feed rate and vacuum are maintained manually. Pope also offers positive displacement feed pumps, automatic flow rate controllers, automatic vacuum controllers, and other advanced features including product discharge pumps, multiple in-series staged still unit skid mounted systems, and computer/PLC control. As clients’ product production requirements increase, Pope can assist with technology consistent throughout the product line, allowing straightforward process equipment scale-up. Equipment for processing 24/7 at more than 200 kg/hr is offered, well more than sufficient for any cannabinoid application!

The Molecular Background:

cannabinoid distillation, terpene distillation

Basic evaporation and condensation

Wiped-Film still technology takes advantage of the fact that each chemical substance has a characteristic vapor pressure. It is this relative difference in vapor pressures that dictates how easily a complex compound can be separated into its constituent components.

Since the molecules of all matter are in constant motion in varying degrees, depending upon the chemical composition of that matter and the temperature and pressure applied to it, molecules near the surface tend to escape into the surrounding atmosphere. As temperature increases and pressure decreases, this escaping tendency usually increases, and the substance is said to vaporize.

The force generated by these escaping molecules is referred to as the vapor pressure of that material at a particular temperature and pressure. It is the relative difference in vapor pressure of substances that dictates how easily a complex compound can be separated into its constituent compounds.

How the Wiped-Film Still Works:

The Pope Wiped-Film Still consists of a heated body into which a fluid system requiring some degree of separation is continuously fed. The fluid is spread into a thin film by a rotating wiper blade assembly driven at a predetermined speed. The film, while being forced into turbulent flow by the wiper blades, progresses down the inside body wall aided by gravity and the slots in the wiper blades.

Have any further questions on short-path distillation? Contact us for further information!

Pope Wiped Film Diagram

Wiper blade moves each plug of material around and downward.

Thin films are created in Pope Wiped-Film Stills for a variety of reasons:

  • Turbulence and micromixing created by a rapidly moving diagonally slotted blade greatly assist in heat transmission, thereby lowering the temperature required on the inside evaporator wall for a given system pressure.
  • A maximum resulting surface area per unit volume of flow is generated, facilitating rapid, efficient evaporation.
  • The liquid exposure time to the elevated wall temperature can be controlled and completed within a matter of seconds. This minimizes product degradation of heat-sensitive materials by controlling the wiper assembly speed.
  • Pope diagonally slotted wiper blades promote plug flow with little back mixing and direct motion both circumferentially and downward. This minimizes dwell time distribution, ensuring that material flowing through the system has a uniform exposure to process conditions.

Keys To The Success Of Pope Scientific’s Wiped-Film Stills

Posted on July 30, 2024

Keys To The Success Of Pope Scientific’s Wiped-Film Stills

Distillation is one of the most important means of separation and purification of liquids in chemical processing. In a mixture of different chemicals, the various components will have differing characteristics, including physical properties such as levels of volatility.  A component with greater volatility than another (or “lighter” than the other), will boil at a lower temperature than the other. If the mixture is maintained at a temperature in between the boiling points (BP) of two components, the lighter component will vaporize while the heavier component(s) will not. If a surface (condenser), is placed in the vapor space and is kept cooler than any of the boiling points, the vapor will condense and can be collected as a liquid distillate with a composition having a greater percentage of the lighter component. The BP’s can be reduced by lowering the prevailing pressure, thus vacuum conditions are often used.

For simple molecules such as low molecular weight solvents, the temperature and the duration of the time of exposure to elevated temperature is typically not critical, in other words, prolonged boiling times, will not degrade these chemicals due to their thermal stability.  However, there exist chemicals of very high BP’s and molecular weights (MW) that are prone to chemical degradation by cracking, reacting or polymerizing.  These cannot survive the required elevated boiling temperatures for extended periods. The degradation effect is enhanced with increased temperatures, but often overlooked is the effect of the duration of time of the exposure to heat, which when extended, can cause far more degradation than the temperature level itself.

For these delicate materials, a special distillation technique is required.  The technique must include; provision for a very short period of heat exposure, a highly efficient mechanism to allow sufficient evaporation to occur within this short period, and high vacuum capability to reduce the extreme boiling points of the components.  Pope wiped-film stills are specially designed to include these and other important features.

Wiper Diagram

Wiped-Film Distillation Process

Wiped-Film Distillation Process

Feed liquid is continuously fed onto the inner wall of a heated vertical cylinder where it is immediately spread evenly as a thin film by rotating wipers around and down the cylinder.  The wipers are specially designed with diagonal slots, each of which causes a highly turbulent micro-mixing of the film. This dynamic causes a high degree of mass and heat transfer to take place, quickly heating the liquid and greatly increasing the effective surface area of the liquid-vapor interface, necessary for allowing the more volatile molecules to escape and vaporize rapidly from the liquid, (as opposed to being held back from reaching the interface by significant depths of liquid as is the case in, for example, a batch mode boiling vessel).  It is this efficiency that allows even high percentages of volatiles to evaporate within a matter of only seconds of travel in the cylinder.  The less volatile, heavier components don’t evaporate and remain as a liquid, leaving quickly out of bottom of the heated cylinder as residue.

Heated walls (orange) and high vacuum (yellow) drive the more volatile components (distillate) to the closely positioned internal condenser as the less volatile components (residue) continue down the cylinder. The resulting fractions from high vacuum distillation separate, and then exit through individual discharge outlets. Depending on the application, the desired product is either the distillate or the residue fraction. Small amounts of condensable low MW compounds collect in cold trap upstream of the vacuum system. For high solvent loads, an optional external condenser may be installed immediately.

The success of the wiped film technique is further enhanced by other special design features including capabilities of high temperatures to beyond 300°C and high vacuum down to 0.001 torr, a requirement for high boiling point distillates.  The high vacuum capability also allows substantial reduction in evaporation temperatures.  Yet another important design feature positions condensers a close distance from the evaporation surfaces, reducing pressure drop at high vacuum, allowing increased vapor transport efficiency and thus increased throughput through the still system. All is accomplished within an average pass through the system measured in seconds, decreasing thermal product degradation by levels of magnitudes compared to other distillation techniques.   Plus, the design allows for a straightforward scaleup from lab to pilot to production scale.  In addition to equipment provision, Pope has hands-on experience via our toll distillation, process development and testing services.  You can rely on Pope to work with your team from concept to commercialization!

Understanding Cannabis Distillate and Pope Scientific’s Wiped Film Distillation Equipment

Posted on July 11, 2024

Understanding Cannabis Distillate and Pope Scientific’s Wiped Film Distillation Equipment

What is Cannabis Distillate? Cannabis distillate is a highly refined form of cannabis extract, known for its purity and potency. It typically contains 80-95% cannabinoids, making it ideal for various products like edibles, vape cartridges, and topicals. This distillation process removes impurities and unwanted compounds, resulting in a clean and versatile product.

Steps Involved Before Distillation

  1. Extraction: Cannabinoids are extracted from the cannabis plant using solvents such as ethanol or CO2.
  2. Winterization: The crude extract is mixed with ethanol and chilled to remove fats, waxes, and lipids.
  3. Decarboxylation: The extract is heated to convert inactive cannabinoids (like THCA and CBDA) into their active forms (THC and CBD).

Wiped-Film Distillation Technology Pope Scientific’s wiped-film distillation equipment is renowned for its efficiency and precision in producing high-quality cannabis distillate. Here’s how it works:

  • Thin Film Formation: The cannabis extract is continuously fed onto a heated surface where it forms a thin film. This thin film allows for rapid and uniform heating, ensuring that cannabinoids are efficiently separated from other compounds.
  • Wiping Mechanism: A mechanical wiper or roller spreads the extract into a thin film and moves it along the heated surface. This enhances the evaporation rate and ensures even exposure to the heating element.
  • Vacuum Application: The distillation process occurs under vacuum, which lowers the boiling points of the cannabinoids. This allows for the separation at lower temperatures, preserving the integrity and potency of the cannabinoids.
  • Condensation: As the cannabinoids evaporate, they are immediately condensed on a cooled surface and collected as purified distillate.
  • Multiple Passes: For achieving the highest purity, the distillate can undergo multiple passes through the wiped-film apparatus, further refining the product with each pass.

Advantages of Pope Scientific’s Wiped-Film Distillation Equipment

  • High Efficiency: Maximizes cannabinoid yield and purity with minimal thermal degradation.
  • Precision Control: Advanced temperature and vacuum controls optimize the distillation process.
  • Scalability: Suitable for various production scales, from small labs to large industrial facilities.
  • Robust Design: Durable construction ensures long-term reliability and performance.

Pope Scientific’s wiped-film distillation technology is trusted by industry professionals to deliver consistent, high-quality cannabis distillate. This equipment’s precision and efficiency make it an indispensable tool for producing top-tier cannabis products.

For more information, contact Pope. 

Optimize Lab-Scale Purification with Pope Scientific’s Benchtop Nutsche Filter Dryers

Posted on July 8, 2024

Optimize Lab-Scale Purification with Pope Scientific’s Benchtop Nutsche Filter Dryers

Pope Scientific leads the way in laboratory separation equipment with its proven Benchtop Nutsche Filter Dryers. These compact units have been a staple in laboratories for years, offering researchers a powerful tool for testing, piloting, and small-scale processing.  Pharma, fine chemicals, cannabinoids, electronics, and specialty materials are just a few of the many applications.

Transition From Lab Büchner Funnels to Industrial Operations

Pope’s fully enclosed sanitary design provides numerous advantages over the traditional, open Buchner funnel apparatus. Materials are contained and isolated from the user for maintenance of purity and safety. Featuring ASME-certified pressurizability, filtering, and cake washing is faster than via vacuum. Drying of the solids is also performed in the nutsche, e

fficiently accomplished under vacuum and jacket heating, plus a raising/lowering cake agitator to break up lumps and churn the solids.  This is the same operation as industrial nutsches, but smaller!

In-Stock and Ready for Action!

Pope’s Benchtop Nutsche Filter Dryers are stocked in 1, 3, 4, and 5-liter sizes.  All come pre-tested and pre-fitted with essential components including valves, sight glasses, pressure relief, spray assembly, pressure/vacuum gauge, and a manual with a full documentation package.

Custom Nutsches Too!

In addition to stocked units, Pope specializes in custom-designed lab, pilot, and production nutsches in a wide range of sizes, features, and functionality, and are optimized to meet clients’ processing needs and preferences.  We have your solution – contact us!

Pope: A Deep History of Providing Equipment and Support to the Cannabis Industry

Posted on April 20, 2024

Pope: A Deep History of Providing Equipment and Support to the Cannabis Industry

Founded in 1963, over the years Pope has supplied the cannabis industry with expertise and equipment. Today after celebrating over 60 years of business, we want to take a look at how far we’ve come:

  • 1963 – Pope Scientific Inc. is founded in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
  • 1975 – Pope Scientific introduces the Wiped-Film Still product line and technology to many industries worldwide.
  • 2002 – The 1st Pope WFS sale for a cannabinoid application, (CBD recovery from hemp seed oil byproduct in Canada)
  • 2007 – Pope builds Turnkey 400L Reaction System for synthesis of pharmaceutical THC, (first of a series of subsequent skid modules)
  • 2011 – The 2nd Pope WFS sale for a cannabinoid application to the University of Mississippi Dept. of Pharmacology, (THC purification from cannabis for research – at the time, the only authorized lab in the US)
  • 2015 – Start of the THC Distillate boom in the US
  • 2016 – Pope Sells over 100 Canna Wiped-film Stills
  • 2017 – Start of the CBD Distillate Boom in the US and elsewhere
  • 2018 – 1st Pope CBD Crystallizing Isolation System sold
  • 2018 – Pope begins Cannabinoid Toll Processing and Process Development Services, (for several types of cannabinoids except THC)
  • 2019 – Pope breaks ground for a 20,000 square foot building expansion (required both for cannabinoid industry and for general industry) larger scale distillation and process equipment
  • 2019 – Pope sells over 500 Canna Wiped-Film Stills (in US and several countries)
  • 2021 – Pope launches the ProPass 600 Canna Still
  • 2023 – Pope celebrates 60 years in business
  • 2023 –  Pope introduces the fully CE-certified Wiped-Film Still series at MjBizCon

Download the Timeline PDF

A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Distillation Equipment And Services

Posted on March 1, 2024

A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Distillation Equipment And Services

In the realm of chemical processing, the choice between utilizing distillation services or investing in distillation equipment can significantly impact a business’s efficiency, costs, and overall success. For companies seeking to optimize their operations in this domain, understanding the nuances between different services and equipment options is crucial. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of toll distillation services, explore the benefits of investing in distillation equipment, and highlight key applications for chemical processing distillation.

Exploring Toll Distillation Services:

Before committing to purchasing distillation equipment, businesses can benefit from leveraging toll distillation services offered by reputable providers like Pope Scientific Inc. These services offer a range of advantages:

  1. Minimized Risk: By outsourcing toll chemical processing services, businesses mitigate the risks associated with investing in equipment that may not fully meet their needs or production requirements.
  2. Accelerated Time to Market: Utilizing toll distillation services allows for quicker turnaround times, enabling businesses to bring their products to market faster and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
  3. Ideal for Smaller Runs: Tolling services cater to businesses with varying production volumes, making them an excellent choice for smaller-scale operations or pilot projects.
  4. Process Testing and Optimization: Tolling services provide a platform for testing and refining distillation processes without committing to equipment purchases upfront. This enables businesses to identify the most suitable equipment for their long-term needs.
  5. Scalability and Flexibility: Pilot runs conducted through tolling services are fully scalable to production processing equipment, facilitating seamless transitions from testing to commercial-scale operations.
  6. Cost-Efficiency: Opting for tolling services requires less upfront investment compared to purchasing equipment outright, making it a financially prudent choice for businesses exploring new processes or markets.
  7. Reduced Resource Requirements: By outsourcing toll chemical processing services, businesses can minimize the need for specialized expertise and internal resources, streamlining operations and reducing overhead costs.

12″ Pope Stainless Steel Wiped-Film Molecular Still with Degasser

Transitioning to Distillation Equipment Ownership:

While toll distillation services offer numerous benefits, some businesses may eventually opt to invest in their own distillation equipment. Here are some advantages and considerations of equipment ownership:

  1. Long-term Cost Savings: Investing in distillation equipment can yield significant cost savings over time compared to continually outsourcing processes to third-party providers.
  2. In-house Versatility: Owning distillation equipment grants businesses greater control and flexibility over their operations, allowing them to handle multiple processes in-house and adapt quickly to changing market demands.
  3. Increased Production Capacity: With dedicated equipment at their disposal, businesses can ramp up production volumes and meet growing demand without relying on external service providers.
  4. Control Over Project Timeline: When working with a toller, there are times when businesses must wait to get on the schedule, potentially causing difficulties in meeting project timelines due to lack of control over equipment availability. By owning distillation equipment, businesses have full control over their project timelines, reducing delays and ensuring timely delivery of products to market.
  5. Economic Viability for Commercial Production: For businesses requiring consistent, high-volume production, owning distillation equipment can be more economically viable in the long run than relying solely on tolling services.
  6. Process Control and Customization: Equipment ownership affords businesses greater control over how their products are processed, enabling them to tailor operations to meet specific quality standards and customer preferences.

Applications of Chemical Processing Distillation

Distillation plays a critical role in a wide range of industrial applications. Some notable examples include:

  • Edible Oil Deodorization and De-acidification
  • Vitamin and Nutritional Supplement Purification
  • Extract and Biomaterial Concentration
  • Food, Flavors, and Fragrance Isolation
  • Polymer Devolatilization
  • Wax and Silicones Fractionation
  • Decolorization
  • Moisture Removal
  • F.A.M.E. Fractionation (Also F.A.E.E.)
  • Polyglycerol Distillation
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acid Distillation

In conclusion, whether through leveraging toll distillation services or investing in distillation equipment, businesses in need of chemical processing solutions can navigate their options effectively by considering factors such as risk, scalability, cost, and process requirements. By understanding the nuances of each approach and aligning them with their specific needs and objectives, businesses can optimize their operations, drive efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth in the competitive landscape of chemical processing. Contact Pope Scientific for more information on our toll distillation equipment and services.

Choosing the Right Scale of Cannabis Distillation Equipment: A Guide by Pope Scientific

Posted on February 27, 2024

Choosing the Right Scale of Cannabis Distillation Equipment: A Guide by Pope Scientific

In the burgeoning cannabis and CBD industry, the demand for high-quality distillation equipment is paramount for processors aiming to produce pure and potent cannabis distillate. With a variety of scales available, it’s essential to select the right cannabis distillation equipment that aligns with your production goals, whether you’re a small-scale operation conducting lab trials or a large-scale industrial facility.

At Pope Scientific, Inc., we understand the importance of selecting the appropriate scale of cannabis distillation equipment to optimize your process and ensure maximum efficiency and yield. With over 50 years of experience serving various industries worldwide, our team is committed to providing expert guidance and top-quality equipment tailored to your specific needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the different scales of cannabis distillation equipment offered by Pope Scientific:

Pope 2″ Wiped-Film Distillation Package

Pope 2″ Wiped-Film Distillation Package

  1. Small-Scale Equipment – (Available in Glass or Stainless Steel): 
    • 2″ Canna Still: Ideal for small production batches, lab trials, and feasibility testing, with a feed rate of 0.2 – 0.6 kg/hr on a glass still
    • 4″ Canna Still: Slightly larger capacity for increased production, with a feed rate of 0.5 to 2 kg/hr on a glass still
    • 6″ Canna Still: Suitable for scaling up production, offering a feed rate of 1-4 kg/hr on a glass still
  2. Medium to Large-Scale Equipment (All 316L Stainless steel):
    • Propass 600:  316L Stainless steel equipment with a feed rate of 3 to 10 kg/hr, designed for higher throughput and durability.
    • 9″ Canna Still: With a feed rate of 20-30 kg/hr, this equipment is suitable for larger production volumes.
    • 12″ Canna Still: Offering the highest throughput with a feed rate of 40-60 kg/hr, ideal for industrial-scale operations.
  3. Turnkey Industrial Production Systems:
    • Pope offers fully turnkey skid-mounted systems for major cannabis production installations requiring capacities ranging from 10 kg/hr up to 100 kg/hr. These systems are engineered to meet the demands of large-scale operations and ensure consistent quality and purity.
Pope 2 stage 6-in Wiped-Film Cannabis Still

Pope 2 stage 6-in Wiped-Film Cannabis Still

Benefits of Using Pope Cannabis Distillation Equipment:

  • Optimization of process and scalability to meet increasing production demands.
  • Experienced technical support to guide you through equipment selection and process optimization.
  • Superior product purity and yield, thanks to the advanced wiped-film distillation technology.
  • Customization options are available to accommodate specific needs and preferences.
  • Wide range of sizes offered, ensuring the right fit for your operation, from small-scale to industrial production.

When selecting the scale of cannabis distillation equipment for your cannabis processing operation, it’s essential to consider factors such as current production volume, growth projections, and budget constraints. With Pope Scientific, you can trust that our team will work closely with you to determine the optimal equipment size and configuration to maximize your productivity and ROI.

From small-scale experimentation to large-scale industrial production, Pope has you covered with top-quality cannabis distillation equipment tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can support your cannabis distillation process.

Download the Pope WFS Canna Comparison Chart PDF

Pope Discusses Cannabis, CBD & Terpenes in Perfumer and Flavorist Magazine

Posted on July 24, 2023

Pope’s Ryan Stendler was recently featured in the August issue of Perfumer & Flavorist Magazine. Check it out!

Perfumer & Flavorist August 2023 Cover Art

The global terpene resins market was valued at $991 million in 2022 and is projected to reach $1,450 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR 7.9% from 2022 to 2027, according to Markets and Marketsa reporting. Whereas the global cannabidiol (CBD) marketb size was valued at an impressive $6.4 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2% from 2023 to 2030.

In this month’s Industry Insights section, Perfumer & Flavorist+ (P&F+) has tapped Pope Scientific Sales & Technical specialist Ryan Stendler to discuss the current trends and demands in the space as well as outline the challenges within the market.

P&F+: What are some of the trends/demands driving innovation in the cannabis, CBD, and terpenes market?

Ryan Stendler: One of the biggest trends we are seeing is a focus on hemp-derived terpenes. Previously, these terpenes weren’t commonly targeted products by themselves, but now there is increased demand for pure terpenes to be used in cannabis products. As a result, there have been changes in the methods of extraction used. In the earlier days of cannabis processing, ethanol extraction was the primary method used.

However, this approach can damage the terpenes due to all the heat required in removing the ethanol. When the terpenes were not a focus, this was nonessential, but now other extraction methods like supercritical CO2 and hydrocarbon have become more popular. Once the terpenes are extracted, they need to be purified by distillation.

Pope’s wiped-film stills have been used for this purpose, both our molecular stills and our hybrid stills. Wiped-film stills allow for low thermal stress on the terpenes, minimizing degradation while maximizing recovery. In addition, the hybrid stills allow for fractional separation if that is needed to provide the purest products possible.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

Article: Industry Insights - Cannabis, CBD and Terpenes

Perfumer & Flavorist Magazine: Industry Insights – Cannabis, CBD and Terpenes

Source:  Perfumer & Flavorist Magazine https://perfumerflavorist.texterity.com/perfumerflavorist/august_2023/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1895509&app=false#articleId1895509

The Rise of New & Synthetic Cannabinoid Processing

Posted on June 28, 2023

The Rise of New & Synthetic Cannabinoid Processing

Cannabis use and legalization are expanding in the US and worldwide. More people are trying to keep up with the latest trends, technology, and products. Because the industry experiences constant shifts in focus, it can be hard to keep up with and understand the new products hitting the market. This focus and innovation have led to the finding of new natural and synthetic cannabinoids.  In this article, we clarify the differences between natural and synthetic cannabinoids and how Pope’s equipment is being successfully used to process them.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two main cannabinoid compounds that people have come to know. THC is extracted from marijuana and CBD is extracted from hemp. THC and CBD are natural compounds and are produced by the plants. The Farm Bill legalized the production of CBD from the hemp plant, as long as it contained less than 0.3% THC. With the CBD industry becoming saturated, producers began to explore other avenues and investigated some of the other cannabinoids that the hemp/marijuana plant makes.  These minor cannabinoids are not present in hemp or marijuana in a high enough concentration to make extraction feasible, therefore do not have a natural source and have to be manufactured in a lab using synthetic chemistry. Some of the more popular compounds produced synthetically include Delta 8 THC, Delta 10 THC, and THCV. Some Minor cannabinoids are used as an alternative to Delta 9 THC which is known for its psychoactive effects. Others are used as a form of medicine to help treat inflammation, as an appetite suppressant, and for many other applications.

Table of Cannabinoids

Pope ProPass 600

Pope ProPass 600 Wiped Film Molecular Still

Synthetic cannabinoids have burst on the scene over the last 2 – 3 years. Some of the synthetics are derived from existing cannabinoids through conversion, while others are formed from non-cannabinoids starting material, similar to how the plant itself makes these cannabinoids. Cannabichromene (CBC) and Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) have been very popular as of late. These synthetics are non-psychoactive and provide a wide range of benefits. Synthetic cannabinoids don’t contain waxes and terpenes like that of natural cannabinoids, which calls for slightly different processing parameters given the material is “cleaner.” There is still a lot of research that needs to be done on these cannabinoids and their medicinal properties.

Minor cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, and CBT are extracted from plants just like CBD and THC are, but they are usually not as present as their counterparts. The challenge is isolating the minor cannabinoid away from the major cannabinoid that is present in the plant. At Pope Scientific, we have had a number of applications that have involved distillation as a form of processing this material. This has allowed us to research and learn more about minor and synthetic cannabinoids, and how our cannabinoid distillation systems can be used to process them effectively.

For more information on our tolling, wiped-film distillation and other processing questions, contact Pope today.

The Isolation of CBD

Posted on June 5, 2023

The Isolation of CBD

Introduction

Many processors perform CBD isolation to create a THC-free product for their end-user for a variety of reasons. For those who have had the opportunity to isolate CBD using crystallization, it is apparent that the material will readily form crystals, sometimes almost to a fault. Controlling this crystallization becomes quite important when the user is looking to create consistent and repeatable outcomes from their process. This article will focus on a high-level background of crystallization and why specific methods are recommended for isolating CBD.

Thermodynamic Background

Crystallization can occur due to the limited solubility of materials in a solvent. Many factors come into play (including temperature, solubility, concentration, etc.), but ultimately under the right conditions, many organic compounds will begin to form organized lattices, or crystals, which are a lower energy state than when dissolved in a supersaturated solution. By controlling the various factors of the process, the crystals can form with very high concentrations of the target molecule, excluding most impurities. The ability of an organic substance to crystallize is dependent on intramolecular and intermolecular forces. For certain compounds, the result of the solidification may instead form an amorphous solid or different polymorph of the isolated product.

Types of Crystallization

There are a few ways crystallization is performed, which include precipitation, evaporative crystallization, and cooling crystallization. Precipitation can be accomplished through a reaction, pH adjustment, or using anti-solvents. These methods do not seem to be common in isolation of CBD. Evaporative crystallization is performed by removing solvent until the material hits its saturation point and begins to nucleate. While effective, evaporative crystallization is not the most ideal method for isolating CBD due to the nature of the crystallization. “When using evaporative crystallization, the process is less controlled, which can lead to CBD being isolated as a paste which can, in turn, create more issues when the process is scaled,” says Ben Schilling, Tolling Manager at Pope Scientific. Evaporative crystallization also is required to be done at vacuum conditions to ensure the CBD will form a solid instead of staying in a liquid state.

Cooling crystallization takes advantage of the fact that many organic compounds have reduced solubility with reduced temperature. Pope Scientific’s recommendation for CBD isolation is to use a jacketed reactor and temperature control unit to bring the temperature of the solution down slowly. Eventually, the solution will become supersaturated. The formation of crystals in the supersaturated solution is dependent on many factors including any impurities that may be present, the mixing profile, and whether seed crystals are utilized.

Crystallization can also be done in batches or done as a continuous process. While continuous crystallization may come out on top when considering ROI, it does add validation complications for customers operating in cGMP environments.

Considerations During Crystallization

To ensure the saturation limits of the solution are not altered significantly it is important to purify the starting material as much as possible prior to crystallization. Many users will purify their cannabinoid extract by means of wiped film molecular distillation. This process will usually allow for a distillate product to be created at > 90% cannabinoid. This purification step will increase the likelihood of consistent crystallizations.

Mixing profile in the crystallizing vessel is also very important as this can have an impact on the nucleation (formation) of crystals vs the growth stage for crystals. Depending on the ultimate use of your crystalline product, certain particle sizes and particle size distributions may be beneficial. Agitators with good pumping capabilities as well as baffles in the reactor can result in more desirable crystal formation. It is important to balance minimum solvent use with the ability to have a flowable slurry that can be mixed.

The use of seed crystals can also be vital as this can impact the quantity and size of crystals formed. Seed crystals can also be critical in preventing the formation of amorphous solids or unwanted polymorphs. Since CBD readily crystallizes, seed crystals may not be necessary for most processors.

Isolation on a Nutsche Filter Dryer

Pope Scientific recommends using a dedicated reactor for the crystallization step as this will be specifically designed for good mixing. Additionally, while the capital cost can be reduced by using a Nutsche Filter Dryer for the crystallization step, this does run the risk of clogging the filter and causing cleaning issues.

Nutsche filter dryers are valuable tools in the GMP environment for filtering, washing, and drying. After a crystal slurry is created, the Nutsche filter-dryer can be used as a single container for the multiple unit operations that are required. This is beneficial because it eliminates the risk of contamination by eliminating any transfer steps. It also reduces the amount of equipment that must be validated as clean.

First, the slurry is transferred to the Nutsche where the “mother liquor” or supernatant can be separated from the crystalline product using a fine filter screen. The advantage of a Nutsche Filter Dryer over a standard filtration device is that it can be pressurized to speed along the filtering process and mother liquor can be recirculated allowing for the complete transfer of the crystals from the reaction vessel.

After the material is filtered, a pure solvent is typically added to remove any impurities that may be present on the surface of the crystals, often called a “wash” step. Washing is performed with either a spray nozzle or ring which allows for even distribution of solvent across the filter cake. If there is not an even distribution of solvent, channeling can occur, which will reduce the effectiveness of the wash. The washed crystals at this point should be of high purity.

These crystals can then be dried by applying heat and vacuum to the Nutsche filter dryer. For many crystals, the ability to apply vacuum in the Nutsche Filter Dryer is critical as the melting point of the crystals may be lower than the boiling point of the solvent. The agitator in the Nutsche allows for the cake to be smoothed which results in even drying and through proper process development and testing can yield a reliably solvent-free product.

While the methods and ideas described above do not delve into any new territory for organic chemistry, they are important concepts to consider when developing an isolation process. Often innovation is seen as an extremely important aspect of the cannabis industry, but it is important to consider tried and true methods when there is a need to meet cGMP requirements and put out a robust and consistent product.

For more information contact Pope today!