There are three possible causes for an overload of the wiper motor: improper tension of the wiper blocks against the evaporator (SOP- Wiper Fix) corroded bearings in the transmission (SOP – Transmission) or an excessive amount of residue buildup in the evaporator (SOP – Clean). A quick phone call to Technical Support will get you started on the right path.
Tag: Cleaning
What solvents should I use to clean my Wiped Film Evaporator?
see SOP – Clean details the cleaning process, and following this will ensure proper cleaning and minimize risk of damage to the unit. Typically, pure ethanol is used to clean the machines, however, a mixture of 50:50 ethanol and distilled water can be helpful in cases of stubborn fouling.
How can I reach 90%+ total cannabinoid content?
Optimal distillation results begin with proper extraction and preparation of the material. Ensuring the feedstock is completely free of lipids, and larger molecular weight contaminants such as chlorophyll are paramount, as well as completely decarboxylating and devolatilizing the material prior to first pass distillation.
When troubleshooting, it may be helpful to perform an additional “first pass” to ensure you are completely removing all of the terpenes and lower molecular weight compounds during first-pass distillation, before proceeding to the second pass.
Finally, verify that the system is relatively clean and that the vacuum system is reaching the vacuum depths specified in the SOPs.
Why did the feed side of the gear pump seize (or stop) while the feed tank is full of cannabis oil?
If the feed tank seizes (or stops) while the feed tank is full of oil, sometimes this can be remedied by:
- setting the feed temperature to 130 degrees C for 30 minutes
- then re-engage the pump
If you have followed the above steps and this does not fix your problem, you may then try the following steps:
- remove the perforated shroud covering the gear (coupling the motor to the gear pump)
- rotate the gear by hand
- and then reengage the pump
If your problem still persists, then try the following:
- turn the feed system off
- wait for the product to cool completely
- then follow SOP-Gear Pump Clean
More information can be found in SOP – Gear Pump Clean.
If you need additional assistance, please call technical support at +1 (206) 452-1130.
How do I fix a clogged check valve?
Check valves can become clogged by physical debris in the product and require periodic cleaning in order to ensure proper operation. A dirty check valve can cause an intermittent feed rate of product into the evaporator, manifesting as a sinusoidal swing in vacuum pressure during the first pass. This can cause irregularities in system performance, so periodic preventative cleaning is highly recommended.
The check valve can be easily removed, disassembled, and soaked in a suitable solvent such as ethanol for proper cleaning.
Best practices for preventing the accumulation of debris within the product include:
- use of proper extraction temperatures
- maintaining proper cleanliness in the lab
- keeping containers of extract covered
- pouring crude into the feed tank through a fine wire sieve
- ensuring proper heat transfer and mixing during the decarboxylation and devolatilization process
More information can be found in SOP – Check Valve Clean.
If you need additional assistance, please call technical support at +1 (206) 452-1130.
Why is my gear pump seized (stopped)?
Gear pumps are used to move product through the system and can occasionally become clogged by solid debris in the product. When this happens, typically the system is shut down, and the gear pump must be removed and cleaned before resuming operation. This procedure is detailed in SOP – Gear Pump Clean.
Best practices for preventing accumulation of debris within the product include:
- use of proper extraction temperatures
- maintaining proper cleanliness in the lab
- keeping containers of extract covered
- pouring crude into the feed tank through a fine wire sieve
- ensuring proper heat transfer and mixing during the decarboxylation and devolatilization process
More information can be found in SOP – Gear Pump Clean.
If you need additional assistance, please call technical support at +1 (206) 452-1130.