Using a versatile solvent, like ethanol, for hemp extraction has a lot of benefits. It has a low level of toxicity, and usually leaves little to no residue behind. It makes it easier to remove cannabinoids and terpenes, while retaining purity. With the proper precautions, ethanol is safer to work with then other solvents. It’s also more cost-effective, with a lower start cost.

We know it works, but is there an ideal temperature to keep the ethanol at to make hemp extraction even better?

Hemp extraction at the “right” temperature

This is a tough conversation, because there’s no right answer. Each method has pluses and minuses, so you have to decide what works best for you. Your facility processing needs and your end goal will influence at what temperature you keep your ethanol at during extraction.

Cold temperature extraction

The ideal range for cold temp extraction when using ethanol is between -22 degrees Fahrenheit and -40. That’s pretty freaking cold. Working at this temperature is optimal for terpene extraction. Not only that, but there’s often minimal post processing. Gums and sugars get eliminated during cold temp extraction and it’s a more linear process. The issue for some is that working at this temperature can produce lower yields. Cold temp extraction is also more labor intensive upfront. You have the added step of maintaining ethanol temperature.

It’s also very important you get the temperature just right. Going too cold can reduce the overall yield and raise your electric bill. Fortunately, hemp extraction equipment built for cold extraction maintains the best working temperatures.

Room temperature extraction

Processing at room temperature can mean higher overall yields with a greater retention rate of botanical compounds. There’s often lower upfront costs to establish infrastructure, but the post processing is more intensive. The distillation process takes longer, de-gumming is required, and you’ll have to winterize your hemp. This means removing impurities from the extracted oil. 

Warm temperature extraction

While not a popular option for hemp extraction, ethanol is versatile enough to work hot. Using warm ethanol, known as the Soxhlet technique, requires boiling the ethanol so it condenses before allowing it to cool down a little. It’s still warm when you mix it with the hemp biomass. The process is quick, leaves behind very little residue, and works great for very small batches of oil. You may also have to do more post-processing to remove unwanted matter.

The right hemp extraction equipment

After picking your solvent, and deciding on the perfect temperature, the next step is the equipment. You want an extractor that doesn’t sacrifice quality for quantity, but rather gives you both.

At Arbor Vita 8, our hemp extraction system from Entexs is not only cost-effective but environmentally friendly. Our high-tech approach recycles about 85 percent of the ethanol used for this process. Not only that, but our cutting-edge equipment can extract up to 1,500 pounds of biomass in an eight hour period. We work efficiently and in a high capacity to get superior product to you.

A trusted partner in hemp extraction

Knowing that the temperature of your ethanol will impact extraction yields is just one piece of knowledge a seasoned processor understands. At Arbor Vita8, our experience makes it possible for us to provide hemp farmers with the best results. From seed-to-sale our resources and services can’t be beat. From our extensive facility to our top-of-the-line equipment, we’re here for results. Contact us today to learn more.