Nordex - Cold Water Extraction System

Cold Water Extraction separates trichomes from the fresh frozen flower. Trichomes are the cannabinoid-rich resinous glands on the fresh frozen biomass that also contain other valuable compounds. These can then be collected to create a product, also known as bubble or isolator.

Here’s a step-by-step outline of how Cold Water Extraction works:

• Preparation: Fresh Frozen biomass is combined with temperature-controlled cold water.
• Agitation: Trichomes are dislodged from the flower-water mixture by stirring it in a vessel.
• Filtration: The mixture is filtered through mesh screens with progressively smaller pore sizes to catch trichomes of various sizes
• Collection: Trichomes that have settled on the screens are collected and dried to make ice water bubble or isolator.

A popular method for producing high-quality bubble, the Bubble Machine or Cold Water Extraction Machine operates at low temperatures to preserve terpenes. The subsequent filtration process yields trichomes and delivers different qualities of bubble/isolator.

Cold Water Extraction, also known as Ice Water Extraction, is a method to separate trichomes from fresh frozen flower material. The process begins by mixing the fresh frozen flower with cold water, which makes the trichomes, or resin glands, brittle and easier to detach. Once the mixture is chilled, it is agitated to break off the trichomes from the flower. This stage does not use chemical solvents, making it a clean and natural extraction process.

Next, the mixture is filtered through a series of declining size mesh screens to capture trichomes. These are carefully scraped from the screens and dried in a controlled environment. The result is a high-quality bubble/isolator that retains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Mesh size in the filtration unit directly affects the purity and yield of the final product. A finer used in the mesh of the bubble extraction machine allows only the smallest particles, including the separated trichomes, to pass while trapping larger material. This results in a cleaner, more refined product with minimal physical contaminants, enhancing the extract purity. However, fine mesh may reduce yield. Larger mesh improves yield but risks compromising purity.

Choosing the right mesh size depends on prioritizing yield, purity, or balance. Using progressively finer meshes can enhance both yield and quality by separating trichomes into grades.

Optimal water temperature for fresh frozen flower trichomes separation is typically between 0 and 2°C. Such a controlled, cold environment allows for smooth extraction without loss of nutrition, resulting in a purer, higher-quality isolator/bubble.

Using cold water delivers contamination-free bubble with greater cannabinoid content. First, cold water prevents the softening or melting of sensitive trichomes to preserve their structure and composition. Second, cold water makes trichomes brittle and easier to detach from the fresh frozen flower. When agitated subsequently, trichomes break away cleanly and smoothly. This eliminates the need to use solvents for separation that leave behind residues.

Agitation time for fresh frozen flower trichome separation typically ranges from 15-30 minutes depending on the strain. This duration strikes a balance between effective trichome separation and minimizing the risk of over-processing the fresh frozen flower. Proper agitation dislodges trichomes from the flower, allowing them to settle and be collected during filtration.

If the mixture is agitated for too long, unwanted flower material may break down, contaminating the extract. Conversely, insufficient agitation may lead to a lower yield, as not all trichomes will be effectively separated. Factors such as the quality of the flower, agitation method, and desired isolator/bubble purity impact the exact duration.

Using cold water for fresh frozen trichome separation offers several advantages over other methods:

• Solvent-Free and Safer: By not using solvents such as butane or ethanol, water- based separation eliminates the risk of residual solvents in the final product. This makes it a safer option for both producers and consumers.
• Preservation of Cannabinoids and Terpenes: The cold-water method protects the delicate trichome structures, preserving the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. This results in a more flavorful and aromatic extract.
• Cost-Effective: Water-based extraction requires minimal specialized equipment compared to high-tech alternatives such as CO₂ extraction, making it an accessible and cost-efficient option.
• Eco-Friendly: Since it uses only cold water, this method has a smaller environmental impact compared to solvent-based processes that generate chemical waste.
• High Purity Potential: With proper technique and mesh filtration, this method can produce a high-quality and contamination-free concentrate.

The quality of the input material significantly impacts the yield and purity of bubble/isolator. High-quality, fresh, and properly cured fresh frozen flower with abundant trichomes will generally yield a higher quantity of purer bubble/isolator. Conversely, older, degraded, or poorly handled material will result in lower yields and a less pure product.

Factors to consider:

• Trichome Density: The more trichomes present on the plant material, the higher the potential yield of bubble/isolator.
• Freshness: Freshly harvested and frozen material (fresh frozen) typically yields the highest quality and quantity of bubble/isolator, as trichomes are less degraded and more easily separated.
• Curing: Properly cured and dried material can also produce good bubble/isolator, but the trichomes may be more brittle and prone to breaking during agitation.
• Contaminantse: The presence of plant matter, pesticides, or other contaminants in the input material will directly affect the purity of the final bubble/isolator. Clean material is crucial for a clean product.

Ultimately, starting with high-quality input material is the most critical factor in producing premium bubble/isolator.