THC Extraction Machines for Large-Scale Processing

In the rapidly evolving cannabis industry, the demand for high-quality THC extracts has surged, driving the need for advanced extraction technologies. At Buffalo Extraction Systems, we understand the critical role THC extraction machines play in producing potent concentrates like THC oil, THCA extracts, and other cannabis derivatives. As innovators in this space, we take pride in offering precision-engineered equipment and comprehensive solutions that empower producers to meet market demands with consistency, efficiency, and uncompromising quality.

Our System

supercritical co2 extraction
Level 1: 5 L x 2
Supercritical Fluid Extraction System

Our Level 1 SCFE Systems are ideal for small scale producers or research and development labs with pilot extraction requirements.

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supercritical co2 extraction
Level 2: 25 L x 2
Supercritical Fluid Extraction System

Our Level 2 extraction systems are ideal for automated extraction at sub-critical and supercritical process parameters.

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supercritical co2 extraction
Level 3: 100 L x 2
Supercritical Fluid Extraction System

Production scale extraction requires robust extraction systems that can deliver efficiency, speed, and high quality end products.

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Supercritical CO2 Extraction Walkthrough

Here's an explanation of our system, benefits, and a detailed walkthrough of the supercritical fluid (CO2) extraction technology.

Buffalo Extraction Systems THC Extraction Machines

At Buffalo Extraction Systems, we specialize in providing state-of-the-art THC extraction equipment designed to meet the needs of every cannabis extraction operation. Our systems are engineered for maximum efficiency, reliability, and purity, ensuring that each extraction delivers consistent, high-quality results. Whether you’re working with hydrocarbon, ethanol, or CO2 extraction methods, we offer a versatile range of machines that can be customized to fit your specific requirements. We take pride in the precision of our equipment, which is equipped with advanced features such as real-time sensors and automated processes, helping to reduce human error and enhance overall operational efficiency.

THC Extraction Process: How THC oil is made

The process of extracting THC from cannabis involves several critical steps to ensure a high-purity, potent, and safe final product. Whether we're using hydrocarbon or ethanol-based methods, each stage plays a vital role in isolating and refining THC or THCA extracts. In addition to hands-on processing, we also offer consulting for facilities aiming to optimize or scale their extraction workflow, ensuring they follow best practices and stay compliant.

1. Preparation of Biomass: The Foundation of High-Quality Extraction

The first and arguably one of the most crucial steps in the THC oil extraction process is the preparation of the biomass the raw plant material from cannabis or hemp. The quality and condition of the biomass set the tone for the entire extraction process, directly influencing yield, potency, and product purity.

Drying the Biomass
Freshly harvested cannabis or hemp plants contain a high percentage of moisture, which can interfere with solvent-based extraction and promote microbial growth. Therefore, the biomass must first undergo careful drying to reduce moisture content typically to around 10-13%. This not only preserves the integrity of cannabinoids and terpenes but also ensures better interaction with extraction solvents.

Grinding and Size Reduction
Once dried, the biomass is milled or ground into a consistent particle size to increase surface area. This process facilitates better solvent penetration, allowing more efficient access to the trichomes, where cannabinoids like THC are concentrated. Uniform particle size also improves extraction consistency, reducing variability between batches.

Screening for Quality
Before proceeding to extraction, the biomass is typically screened to remove unwanted materials like stems, seeds, or debris. Only high-quality, cannabinoid-rich flowers and trim should be used for optimal results. The chemical profile of the starting material such as THC concentration, terpene content, and the presence of any contaminants has a direct impact on the efficacy, flavor, and safety of the final extract.

2. Extraction Using Solvents

Depending on the chosen method, hydrocarbon extraction THC or ethanol extraction THC solvents are used to strip cannabinoids, including THC, from the plant material.

Hydrocarbon Extraction THC : Butane or propane is used in a closed-loop THC extractor. These solvents are highly efficient in extracting THC along with terpenes, resulting in flavorful and potent extracts.

Ethanol Extraction : We use chilled ethanol (food or pharma grade) to dissolve cannabinoids and terpenes. It’s fast, scalable, and cost-efficient for high-throughput production. We often perform this using a closed-loop cannabis oil extractor system with cryogenic features. It's perfect for full-spectrum oils and winterized distillate production.

Ethanol Extraction THC : Ethanol is used to soak or wash the biomass. This method is faster and scalable, commonly used in industrial applications. Ethanol extract THC is usually cleaner and requires less post-processing.

We also provide tailored design services to help build out extraction labs from the ground up, ensuring workflow efficiency, safety, and compliance with local regulations.

3. Winterization and Filtration

After the initial extraction whether through ethanol, hydrocarbon, or CO2 methods the resulting crude THC oil is not yet ready for formulation. It contains a variety of unwanted compounds, including fats, waxes, and lipids, which can affect the potency, clarity, stability, and overall quality of the final product.

Winterization involves dissolving the crude extract in a solvent commonly ethanol and then chilling the solution to very low temperatures (typically between -20°C and -80°C). At these sub-zero temperatures, the fats, waxes, and lipids solidify and precipitate out of the solution.

Once these unwanted components have crystallized, they are removed through fine filtration, using vacuum or pressure-driven filtration systems equipped with micron-rated filter media. Some processes also include multi-stage filtration or activated carbon treatment to further polish the extract by removing chlorophyll, pigments, or minor impurities.

4. Solvent Recovery

In solvent-based extraction processes, particularly those using ethanol or hydrocarbons (such as butane or propane)it’s essential to recover and recycle the solvents from the crude extract before proceeding to further refinement. Solvent recovery not only ensures regulatory compliance and product safety, but also significantly reduces operational costs by allowing for solvent reuse.

The crude extract-solvent mixture is subjected to controlled evaporation, where the solvent is vaporized away from the cannabinoid-rich extract. This is typically achieved using rotary evaporators for smaller-scale operations or falling film evaporators for higher-throughput, continuous processing.

These systems apply gentle heat and vacuum to efficiently separate the solvent without degrading the valuable cannabinoids and terpenes in the extract. The evaporated solvent is then condensed and collected, making it safe and cost-effective for reuse in future extraction cycles.

5. Decarboxylation

THCA extract is non-psychoactive in its raw form. To convert THCA to psychoactive THC, the extract is heated to a controlled temperature (typically around 110–145°C). This process is known as decarboxylation, and it’s essential for making THC effective in products like edibles or tinctures.

6. Distillation

Using a THC oil extraction machine or THC distillate extractor, the extract undergoes short-path or wiped-film distillation to purify and concentrate THC. This step separates THC from remaining impurities, including chlorophyll, residual solvents, and other cannabinoids.

7. Final Formulation

The final stage of the THC extraction process is formulation, where the purified THC distillate is transformed into finished, consumer-ready products. This step is critical in determining not just the product’s efficacy, but also its taste, texture, delivery method, and user experience.

Customizing the Base : Depending on the intended product type, THC distillate is blended with various ingredients to achieve specific effects and applications:

Carrier oils : such as MCT oil, hemp seed oil, or olive oil are used in tinctures to enhance bioavailability and ensure accurate dosing.

Terpenes, : either reintroduced from the original plant or added from botanical sources, help replicate the natural aroma and flavor of cannabis strains while contributing to the entourage effect.

Flavorings and sweeteners : may be incorporated into products like edibles, beverages, or sublingual oils to improve palatability.

Product-Specific Applications

Tinctures : Liquid solutions that allow precise dosing and fast sublingual absorption.

Vape Cartridges: Require distillate with a specific viscosity, often thinned using terpenes or other diluents suitable for inhalation

Edibles : THC is emulsified or nano-encapsulated to improve stability and absorption in food matrices.

Topicals and Cosmetics : THC is blended with skin-safe ingredients like shea butter, essential oils, or aloe vera to produce lotions, balms, and creams with localized effects.

Why Choose Buffalo Extraction Systems: THC Extraction Equipment

At our facility, we rely on Buffalo Extraction Systems to deliver consistent, compliant, and high-performance THC extraction. These machines are engineered with advanced technology to ensure maximum yield and purity, helping us produce premium cannabis concentrates at scale. Whether we're operating a boutique lab or managing high-volume output, Buffalo Extraction Systems give us the reliability, flexibility, and compliance we need.

Here’s why we trust Buffalo Extraction Systems for all our THC extraction needs:

1. Versatile Range of Extraction Machines

We benefit from a broad range of machines offered by Buffalo Extraction Systems, each tailored to specific extraction methods and production capacities. Whether we're focused on small-batch craft extracts or industrial-scale production, these systems help us get the most from our cannabis material.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction Machines : These systems use CO2 in its Supercritical CO2 Extraction Equipments state to gently extract cannabinoids and terpenes. We love that this method leaves behind no residual solvents and delivers a clean, full-spectrum concentrate with minimal environmental impact.

Ethanol Extraction Machines : For large-volume production, we turn to Buffalo Extraction Systems ethanol systems. These machines deliver clean, efficient extractions and consistently high purity and potency perfect for scaling operations without compromising on quality.

Hydrocarbon Extraction Machines : When we aim for flavorful, high-terpene products like wax or shatter, we use Buffalo Extraction Systems hydrocarbon systems. Their butane and propane-based machines allow us to extract with precision and preserve delicate compounds.

2. Precision Engineering for Consistency and Reliability

Buffalo Extraction Systems are engineered for consistency. Each machine is built with precision components that help us maintain batch-to-batch reliability critical for brand trust and regulatory compliance.

We especially appreciate the:

Advanced Control Panels for Intuitive Monitoring : Our Buffalo Extraction Systems are equipped with user-friendly control panels that simplify the entire extraction process. These advanced interfaces allow operators to easily set, monitor, and adjust key parameters without requiring extensive technical training. This intuitive design reduces operator error and ensures smooth, consistent runs across all batches.

Real-Time Sensors for Critical Parameter Tracking : he systems come integrated with high-precision sensors that continuously monitor essential variables like pressure, temperature, and solvent flow. This real-time data allows us to make informed adjustments during the extraction cycle, ensuring optimal efficiency, safety, and product consistency every step of the way.

Automated Protocols to Eliminate Variability : Automation is a key advantage of Buffalo Extraction Systems. With programmable protocols built into each machine, we’re able to standardize every runminimizing human error and batch-to-batch variability. This not only improves overall product quality but also increases operational efficiency by freeing up our team to focus on other essential tasks.

3. Built to Last: Robust Construction and Durability

When we invest in equipment, we need it to stand up to the demands of everyday production. Buffalo Extraction Systems are built from durable, high-grade materials and tested under real-world conditions. Whether we're extracting from hemp or high-THC cannabis flower, we count on these machines to deliver performance without frequent breakdowns.

This durability reduces our maintenance costs, minimizes downtime, and keeps us focused on production rather than repair.

4. Designed for Ease of Use and Automation

We value how user-friendly Buffalo Extraction Systems are. Their machines come equipped with touchscreen interfaces and intuitive workflows that make operation simple even for new staff.

Automation plays a big role in our efficiency:

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) : Our THC extraction machines feature advanced programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that give us highly accurate control over every phase of the extraction process. With PLCs, we can precisely set and maintain parameters such as temperature, pressure, and solvent flow ensuring each run delivers optimal yield, purity, and consistency.

Automated cycle timers : Automation is central to Buffalo Extraction Systems, and our machines include intelligent cycle timers that manage extraction sequences without the need for constant manual input. These timers streamline repetitive tasks and enable our operators to attend to other responsibilities improving productivity while maintaining consistent, repeatable results from batch to batch.

Integrated safety systems : Safety is a top priority in every machine we design. Our extraction systems are equipped with built-in safety features that monitor for abnormal conditions and automatically shut down operations if a risk is detected. From pressure relief valves to emergency stop functions and real-time system alerts, these integrated safety systems protect both our personnel and the equipment ensuring compliance with industry regulations and peace of mind during operation.

5. Compliance with Global Regulatory Standards

Meeting regulatory standards is non-negotiable in cannabis extraction, and Buffalo Extraction Systems help us stay audit-ready. Their machines are built to comply with GMP, FDA, and EU standards, giving us peace of mind whether we’re supplying local dispensaries or entering international markets. With their equipment, we’re confident in both our product quality and our ability to meet rigorous compliance requirements.

6. Customization for Unique Extraction Requirements

No two extraction operations are alike, and Buffalo Extraction Systems understands that. We've been able to customize our machines to fit specific production needs whether it's adapting to different input materials or fine-tuning for targeted cannabinoid profiles. This flexibility allows us to stay innovative and responsive as market demands shift.

7. Comprehensive Support and Training

From day one, Buffalo Extraction Systems has provided more than just equipment; they've been a true partner. Their support team helped with seamless on-site installation and continues to provide hands-on training to ensure our team is confident and capable.

Their ongoing service includes:

Scheduled maintenance : To ensure the consistent performance of our extraction machines, we offer scheduled maintenance services. Regular servicing allows us to proactively check and replace any worn-out components, lubricate moving parts, and recalibrate machinery to factory standards. By staying ahead of potential issues, we minimize downtime, increase machine lifespan, and keep your extraction processes running smoothly without any unexpected disruptions.

Technical troubleshooting : When technical issues arise, our team of experts is ready to assist with troubleshooting to minimize operational disruption. Our technicians are highly trained to quickly identify and address mechanical, electrical, or software issues. Whether it’s through remote support or on-site assistance, we ensure that your system is up and running in the shortest possible time, maintaining production efficiency and minimizing any potential losses.

Continuous education on new features and best practices : The cannabis extraction field is constantly evolving, and we believe in keeping our clients at the forefront of innovation. We offer continuous education through training programs that focus on the latest advancements, new machine features, and best operational practices. By staying informed on updates, you can maximize the effectiveness of your equipment, improve your extraction process, and maintain compliance with changing industry standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis, while THCA is its non-psychoactive precursor. THCA converts to THC through decarboxylation, a process involving heat.

A: Yes, Buffalo Extraction Systems are versatile extraction systems designed to extract a range of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, depending on the input material and desired end product.

A: Ethanol extraction is generally safer and more scalable, making it suitable for large operations. Hydrocarbon extraction Thc can produce higher terpene content but requires stringent safety measures due to flammable solvents.

A: Buffalo Extraction Systems are equipped with features like automated controls, pressure monitoring, and are built to meet CE and ATEX safety standards, ensuring safe operation.

A: Absolutely. Buffalo Extraction Systems are designed with scalability in mind, allowing for upgrades and expansions to meet increasing production demands

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