Hemp and Cannabis Distillation Equipment

• Throughput requirements: Choose a system based on the amount of crude oil your facility needs to process per shift.
• Material visibility: Glass systems are useful for R&D and process visibility, while stainless systems are better suited to routine production.
• Product goals: CBD, THC, terpene recovery, and minor cannabinoid refinement may require different operating priorities.
• Operational resources: Consider automation preferences, cleaning requirements, maintenance expectations, and operator experience.

Our commercial cannabis distillation systems can process approximately 20 to 360 liters of feed material per day, depending on the system and operating schedule. For larger industrial-scale operations, select systems can process up to 1,000+ liters per day under continuous operation.

Actual finished distillate output will vary based on factors such as feedstock composition, cannabinoid concentration, number of distillation passes, operating parameters, and overall process efficiency.

Distillation yield and cannabinoid recovery depend heavily on the quality and composition of the incoming crude oil, feed preparation, operating parameters, and desired final product specifications.

Root Sciences can help evaluate your feedstock and production goals to determine realistic recovery, potency, and throughput expectations for the recommended distillation system.

Yes. Both lines offer multiple system sizes and throughput tiers, making it easy for labs to start with an entry-level model and expand to higher-capacity units as demand increases.

Both VTA and UIC deliver German-engineered short-path, wiped-film distillation systems for cannabis and hemp processing. Each line focuses on producing clean, high-purity distillate through continuous, controlled separation. The right choice depends on your operating goals, budget, and scale.

Where VTA Excels

• Flagship performance: Designed for facilities that want a feature-rich platform with advanced controls and a long track record in cannabinoid refinement.
• Scalability for growth: Well suited for teams planning higher throughput, multi-shift operation, or integration with broader automation.
• Proven in the field: Adopted by producers who value repeatable results across demanding production schedules.

Where UIC Excels

• Value and accessibility: Built for teams seeking dependable wiped-film distillation at a more accessible price point.
• Compact options: Helpful when space is limited or when an operation wants an entry-level or mid-scale system that can run daily with minimal complexity.
• Straightforward operation: Practical for labs that want consistent distillate quality with clear workflows and easy onboarding.

How to Decide for Your Facility

• Production targets: If your roadmap includes higher throughput and advanced automation, VTA is often the better fit. For entry-level to mid-scale production with strong value, consider UIC.
• Budget and timeline: UIC supports a cost-conscious start while meeting quality goals for cannabis and hemp distillate. VTA aligns with facilities investing in premium features and long-term expansion.
• Footprint and utilities: UIC offers compact configurations for tighter spaces. VTA provides options that integrate well in larger, growth-oriented layouts.
• Team experience: Newer teams tend to appreciate UIC’s approachable operation. Seasoned teams may prefer VTA’s advanced capabilities and configurability.

Bottom Line

Both VTA and UIC produce reliable, high-purity cannabis and hemp distillate with continuous operation and strong repeatability. Choose the line that best aligns with your current scale, future growth plans, and budget, and Root Sciences will support you through selection, installation, training, and ongoing maintenance.

Most wiped-film systems process winterized or decarboxylated crude oil from cannabis or hemp extraction, so the same unit can run as a THC distillate machine or produce CBD distillate from hemp. Exact preparation requirements vary depending on system size, vacuum performance, and desired final product characteristics.

No. Most wiped-film distillation systems have operator-friendly controls and straightforward workflows, and Root Sciences makes the learning curve easier by including installation and hands-on operator training with every system purchase. Your team learns feedstock preparation, operation, and cleaning from a trained Root Sciences technician. VTA models often add more advanced automation, while UIC models emphasize simple operation and clear process visibility. After training, optional ongoing support is available if you need it, including retraining for new staff, on-site maintenance, and technical support.

Wiped-film distillation is a gentle refinement method that separates cannabinoids from heavier compounds using a thin film of oil across a heated surface. It is widely used because it preserves sensitive components while producing clean, consistent distillate for vape products, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.

Distillate produced on UIC and VTA systems is commonly used in vape formulations, edibles, tinctures, softgels, capsules, beverages, and a range of infused cannabis and hemp products.

Vacuum depth is crucial because it allows cannabinoids to evaporate at lower temperatures, which helps prevent thermal degradation. Both UIC and VTA incorporate specialized pumps and vacuum gauges to maintain stable operating conditions.

Routine cleaning, seal checks, and vacuum monitoring are standard for wiped-film systems and most cannabis distillate equipment. Preventive Maintenance Kits are available to help labs replace commonly used parts on a predictable schedule and minimize downtime.

Every Root Sciences wiped-film distillation system purchase includes installation and operator training, so your team can start running with confidence. After that, optional ongoing support is available as needed, including on-site technician services for troubleshooting, full maintenance, retraining, and relocation, plus in-house rebuilds of key components like gear pumps, transmissions, wiper baskets, and check valves. If you bought used Root Sciences equipment through a third party, our New Client Package brings you into the full support program. Contact our team for service options and pricing.