VKL 75 Wiped-Film Short Path Distillation System

Wiped-film short-path distillation is a refinement method used in the cannabis and hemp processing industry to separate cannabinoids from heavier compounds after extraction. In this process, crude oil is spread into a thin film along a heated surface using internal wipers, which increases surface area and allows cannabinoids to evaporate efficiently at lower temperatures under vacuum.

As the vaporized cannabinoids travel a very short distance to an internal condenser, they are quickly cooled and collected as distillate. The short vapor path helps reduce thermal exposure and limits degradation, making this approach well-suited for temperature-sensitive cannabis and hemp oils. Wiped-film short-path distillation is commonly used by commercial processors seeking consistent cannabinoid concentration, improved clarity, and repeatable results in post-extraction workflows.

In wiped-film short-path distillation, extracted cannabis or hemp oil is fed into a heated chamber where it is immediately spread into a thin, even film along the interior surface. Internal wipers continuously move the material, ensuring uniform contact with the heated wall and preventing buildup as the oil flows through the system.

As the thin film travels downward, cannabinoids evaporate under reduced pressure at controlled temperatures. The vapor moves only a short distance before reaching an internal condenser, where it is cooled and collected as refined distillate. Heavier compounds that do not evaporate continue through the system and are removed separately.

This continuous, thin-film approach allows processors to maintain stable operating conditions while supporting consistent separation from batch to batch. The short vapor path and controlled exposure help preserve cannabinoid quality, making wiped-film short-path distillation a commonly used refinement step in commercial cannabis and hemp processing workflows.

Wiped-film short-path distillation is commonly used in cannabis and hemp processing as a post-extraction refinement step. It is applied after initial extraction and winterization to concentrate cannabinoids and remove heavier components, helping transform crude or partially refined oil into a more uniform distillate.

Distillate produced through wiped-film distillation is used across a wide range of downstream applications, including vape formulations, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and infused products. The process supports consistent cannabinoid concentration, which is important for manufacturers that require predictable inputs for formulation and dosing.

In commercial processing facilities, wiped-film distillation is often integrated into continuous production workflows where reliability and repeatability are essential. Its ability to operate steadily over time makes it suitable for processors refining cannabis and hemp oils at scale while maintaining consistent output quality.

• Supports efficient cannabinoid separation through thin-film evaporation
• Operates under reduced pressure, allowing lower processing temperatures
• Short vapor path helps limit thermal exposure during distillation
• Continuous operation supports steady, repeatable processing
• Clear separation of cannabinoids from heavier compounds
• Suitable for temperature-sensitive cannabis and hemp oils
• Enables consistent distillate quality across production runs
• Integrates easily into post-extraction processing workflows
• Provides stable performance for day-to-day commercial use

1. Where does the VKL 75 typically fit within a cannabis or hemp processing workflow?

The VKL 75 is most often used after extraction and winterization as a dedicated refinement step. It serves as a bridge between crude oil preparation and finished distillate, integrating into post-extraction workflows that prioritize consistency and controlled separation.

2. How does wiped-film distillation differ from short-path bench-scale systems?

Unlike batch-based bench systems, wiped-film distillation spreads material continuously into a thin film, allowing steadier operation and more predictable separation. This approach is commonly preferred in commercial settings where throughput and repeatability are important.

3. What types of facilities commonly use the VKL 75?

The VKL 75 is typically used by commercial cannabis and hemp processors operating at small-to-mid production scale. It is well suited for facilities that require daily operation without moving into large industrial distillation footprints.

4. How does material preparation impact performance on the VKL 75?

Upstream steps such as proper winterization, filtration, and moisture removal play a significant role in how smoothly material processes through the system. Well-prepared feedstock supports more stable operation and consistent distillate output.

5. What role does operator visibility play during distillation?

Visual access to key distillation components allows operators to observe film behavior and process conditions in real time. This visibility can help with process understanding, troubleshooting, and maintaining consistent operation over extended runs.

6. How is the VKL 75 typically integrated with supporting equipment?

The system is commonly paired with external vacuum systems, heaters, feed pumps, and downstream collection vessels. Its layout allows it to be incorporated into existing lab infrastructure without requiring a complete facility redesign.

7. What considerations should processors evaluate before choosing a wiped-film distillation system?

Processors often evaluate available floor space, desired throughput range, operator experience, and long-term production goals. Understanding how distillation fits into the broader process is just as important as equipment capacity.

8. Can the VKL 75 support consistent output across multiple production runs?

When operated under stable conditions with consistent feedstock preparation, the VKL 75 is designed to support repeatable performance across ongoing distillation runs, which is important for downstream formulation and manufacturing.

9. How does wiped-film distillation support temperature-sensitive cannabinoids?

By operating under vacuum and using a short vapor path, wiped-film distillation allows cannabinoids to separate at lower effective temperatures, helping limit unnecessary thermal exposure during refinement.

10. Is the VKL 75 better suited for batch or continuous processing environments?

The VKL 75 is generally used in continuous or semi-continuous processing environments where steady operation and predictable workflow are preferred over batch-style processing.