To answer frequently asked questions and should ask questions about CBD processing equipment for hemp in order to inform a post.
CBD Processing Equipment: Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What space or facility is required to safely run the machine?
a. Explain why considering space or facility requirements are important.
b. List space (square footage) or if a larger facility is required for ethanol extraction, CO2 extraction machines, Butane/Propane extraction machines, ice water extraction machines, and Water vapor extraction machines.
2) Am I allowed to operate a machine at home?
a. Explain if there are local rules or regulations about operating extraction machines at home.
b. List examples of what is allowed or not allowed?
c. Explain that each region is different and that the buyer should consult local authorities before purchasing equipment to operate at home.
3) Does this machine require a license to operate it?
a. Explain if CBD extraction machines typically require an operation license.
b. List, if any, examples of machines that do require an operation license.
4) What is the machine yield?
a. Explain why is it important to understand how much product comes out of a machine.
i. Buyer needs to consider how much hemp plant material they need to produce a specific quantity of CBD oil.
ii. Buyer needs to understand how long it takes to process all hemp plant material.
iii. Buyer needs to understand machine yield to determine if he/she can scale hemp processing.
5) What is the shipping cost and time to ship?
a. Explain if there are any industry standards of free shipping or fast shipping or does it vary based on manufacturer.
b. List shipping cost ranges for ethanol extraction, CO2 extraction machines, Butane/Propane extraction machines, ice water extraction machines, and Water vapor extraction machines.
c. List shipping time ranges for ethanol extraction, CO2 extraction machines, Butane/Propane extraction machines, ice water extraction machines, and Water vapor extraction machines.
6) Does the machine require assembly?
a. Explain if it is common for machines to arrive fully assembled, partially assembled or in pieces.
b. List examples of machines that come fully assembled, partially assembled or in pieces.
7) What cleaning and maintenance is required for CBD extraction machines?
a. Explain if there is little cleaning or frequent cleaning required for ethanol extraction, CO2 extraction machines, Butane/Propane extraction machines, ice water extraction machines, and Water vapor extraction machines.
b. List if any cleaning supplies come with machines.
c. Explain if there is little maintenance or frequent maintenance required for ethanol extraction, CO2 extraction machines, Butane/Propane extraction machines, ice water extraction machines, and Water vapor extraction machines.
i. List if maintenance can be performed by owner or does it need to be performed by a third party.
8) How long has the company been in business?
a. Explain benefits of buying from a company that has been around for some time.
b. Explain drawbacks of buying from a newer company.
9) Where is the manufacturer located?
a. Explain why location is important (ie. It is easier to buy replacement parts or get support from US based manufacturer vs one that is over seas).
CBD Processing Equipment: Should Ask Questions:
1) Which process should I use?
a. Explain different CBD end products in bulleted list.
b. Explain what extraction methods are best for consumable or inhalable CBD products.
c. Explain what extraction methods are best for products like creams or other.
2) Does this machine require expertise?
a. Explain what expertise is required for each of these methods:
i. Ethanol extraction
ii. CO2 extraction
iii. Butane/Propane extraction
iv. Ice water extraction
v. Water vapor extraction
b. Describe how the above knowledge applies to machines for each extraction method. Do any machines perform certain scientific steps for you?
3) What filtration processes (if any) are required to further purify CBD after completing a run of processing with a machine?
a. Ethanol extraction
b. CO2 extraction
c. Butane/Propane extraction
d. Ice water extraction
e. Water vapor extraction
4) What is the final purity of the CBD after extraction.
a. Explain what level of purity comes from each extraction method.
b. List machines examples (2-3 for each method) and their purity level.
5) Does the machine require additional parts to scale or expand operation?
a. List machines which require extra parts for the following extraction methods:
i. Ethanol extraction
ii. CO2 extraction
iii. Butane/Propane extraction
iv. Ice water extraction
v. Water vapor extraction
6) What are the safety considerations for CBD extraction equipment?
a. Explain what types of safety precautions are required for machines in each extraction method. (ie. Facility sice, monitoring equipment, alarms).
7) What warranties, if any, are included with purchase?
a. Explain if manufacturers make and equipment guarantees.
b. Explain if they offer a warranty free or at additional cost.
8) Does the manufacturer offer training?
a. List extraction methods require equipment training.
b. List manufacturers that offer training with extraction machine purchase.
9) How much monitoring is required for a machine while it’s running.
a. List machines for each extraction method (2-3) and if monitoring is required.
b. Explain monitoring options (ie. Individual person checking equipment or are there sensors included or available to install on equipment).
10) Does machine constantly need to be fed Hemp?
a. Explain the difference between manual, semi-automatic and automatic machines as it relates to each extraction method.
b. Explain how much hemp a machine can process per run.
11) Do you need to worry about solvent disposal?
a. Explain which extraction methods use solvents.
b. Explain disposal options.
c. Explain if there is a cost of disposal.