Extraction Equipment

A practical, risk‑based framework for lab operators and managers to triage inventory across −86°C, −20°C, and 2–8°C storage bands. Covers material categorization, stability guidance, energy and ROI comparisons, commissioning and preventive maintenance, alarm and backup strategies, and a step‑by‑step implementation plan to avoid unnecessary ULT purchases.

Operators scaling past a single wiped‑film still face a strategic choice: install a second wiped‑film stage (dual WFE), enlarge the primary column, or add a short‑path polishing finisher. This article gives a decision framework based on throughput, product mix, QA constraints, vacuum/thermal demands, cleanliness and CIP, simple 3–5 year TCO models, and practical timelines so teams can pick the right path without vendor marketing noise.

A step‑by‑step, operator‑facing blueprint for devolatilization and pre‑drying that prevents wiped‑film foaming and throughput loss. Covers moisture and residual solvent benchmarks, drying method selection (tray, vacuum, hybrid), staged devolatilization to protect terpenes, metrics (mass‑loss curves, GC/HS-GC monitoring), SOP checklists, ROI and energy tradeoffs, and how curated vacuum oven solutions from Urth & Fyre reduce first‑pass wiped‑film failures.

Many extraction and QA labs run reliable but “dumb” legacy equipment. This guide lays out a practical, tiered approach to retrofit rotovaps, wiped‑film evaporators, ULT freezers, vacuum ovens and chillers with sensors, gateways, and alarm trees to create a data‑rich, semi‑automated Lab 4.0. Includes what to log for audits, ROI and timelines, SOPs for alarm response, and how Urth & Fyre helps spec, commission, and integrate mixed fleets.

Treat solvent recovery as an energy node. This guide explains where energy goes in a rotovap + chiller stack, practical heat-recovery strategies, and demand‑shaving tactics to lower kWh and peak demand charges — with KPIs, implementation checklists and an example using the Buchi R‑220 + F‑325.

As labs move to low‑GWP and bio‑based solvents, drying behavior, flammability profiles, and vacuum practice must evolve. This guide explains how modern vacuum oven design—five‑sided jacket heating, stainless vacuum plumbing, and controlled inert backfill—enables faster, lower‑temperature drying that preserves terpenes, reduces energy use, and improves throughput. Includes practical cycle recipes, leak‑test checks, and how Urth & Fyre can help specify and bundle clean‑vacuum systems.

Buying pre-owned distillation, chilling, and ULT equipment is one of the largest short‑term CAPEX levers for modern labs — but 'cheap' gear can become an auditor’s headache if not commissioned and documented properly. This post gives a practical, audit-focused commissioning playbook for rotovaps, short/wiped‑film distillation trains, refrigerated chillers, and -86°C freezers. Includes risk mapping, a FAT/SAT‑lite workflow, IQ/OQ‑lite templates, upgrade recommendations, timelines, and ROI benchmarks — plus a recommended kit (Büchi R‑220 + F‑325) to get you started.