VKS 95 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 VKS 95 typically fit within a cannabis or hemp processing workflow?

The VKS 95 is commonly used after extraction and initial preparation steps, such as winterization and filtration, as a primary distillation system for producing refined distillate at commercial scale. It is often positioned in workflows that require steady, higher-throughput refinement on a daily basis.

2. How does the VKS 95 differ from smaller wiped-film distillation systems?

Compared to smaller wiped-film systems, the VKS 95 is designed to support higher throughput and longer continuous run times. This makes it more suitable for commercial facilities that operate at scale and need predictable output rather than batch-style processing.

3. What types of facilities typically use the VKS 95?

The VKS 95 is commonly used by mid- to large-scale cannabis and hemp processors operating commercial distillation labs. It is well suited for facilities that supply distillate for downstream manufacturing, such as vape products, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.

4. How does wiped-film distillation support consistency at higher production volumes?

Wiped-film distillation spreads material into a thin film and operates under reduced pressure, allowing cannabinoids to separate in a controlled and repeatable manner. This approach supports stable operation and consistent output, which is important as production volumes increase.

5. What role does continuous operation play in commercial distillation?

Continuous operation allows material to be processed steadily over time rather than in discrete batches. For commercial facilities, this helps maintain predictable workflows, reduce downtime between runs, and support consistent distillate quality.

6. How does operator visibility benefit day-to-day use of the VKS 95?

Visible process components allow operators to observe film behavior and general operating conditions during distillation. This visibility supports process understanding, troubleshooting, and maintaining stable operation over extended production runs.

7. How is the VKS 95 typically integrated into existing processing lines?

The system is usually integrated with external vacuum systems, heaters, feed pumps, and downstream collection equipment. Its design allows it to be incorporated into established post-extraction workflows without requiring major changes to facility layout.

8. What should processors consider when moving to a system like the VKS 95?

Processors often consider available floor space, staffing and operator experience, production targets, and long-term growth plans. Evaluating how distillation fits into the overall workflow is key when transitioning to higher-capacity systems.

9. How does the VKS 95 support repeatable distillate quality over time?

When operated under stable conditions with consistent feedstock preparation, the VKS 95 is designed to deliver repeatable separation across ongoing production runs. This consistency is important for downstream formulation and product standardization.

10. Is the VKS 95 compatible with future expansion or upgrades?

The VKS 95 platform can support configuration changes, such as dual-stage upgrades, allowing processors to increase throughput over time without replacing their core distillation system.