Off-Gassing Cannabis With Solvent-Based Extraction Methods
Off-gassing is the process of releasing residual gases from cannabis biomass when solvent-based extraction takes place. Solvents frequently used by manufacturers include butane, propane, and ethanol, and these are highly flammable. To ensure safety and compliance, specialized equipment, including a C1D1 extraction room, is necessary to manage these gaseous chemical agents effectively.
By reading this guide, you’ll learn why this off-gassing is necessary and how it happens in a C1D1 room.
Why Proper Off-Gassing Is Necessary
Ensuring that all gases are safely removed from waste before it's transported or disposed of is essential. It maintains workplace safety, protects the environment, achieves compliance, and prevents legal and financial liabilities.
#1. Safety Risks
Flammable gases can ignite or explode when exposed to heat, sparks, or open flames, posing a serious threat during waste handling, transport, or storage. CO2, commonly used in supercritical extraction, can cause dangerous pressure build-up in sealed waste containers that potentially lead to ruptures or explosions.
Additionally, inhalation of solvent fumes can pose risks to workers in poorly ventilated areas. Symptoms like dizziness, nausea, respiratory irritation, or even asphyxiation can result.
#2. Environmental Concerns
Biomass is a source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When released into the atmosphere, they contribute to smog formation and reduce air quality. Similarly, biomass can leach into the soil or water supply and harm local ecosystems.
In other words, improper off-gassing of biomass can release harmful compounds into the air, soil, and water, affecting overall environmental quality.
#3. Waste Processing Issues
Residual gases in biomass can create challenges for downstream waste management.
Composting facilities, landfills, and other waste processors may refuse to accept cannabis waste that contains residual solvents, citing safety and environmental concerns. This can result in delays and increased costs associated with finding alternate solutions.
Additionally, solvents that remain can contaminate other materials during processing or disposal.
#4. Legal and Financial Risks
Improper off-gassing can expose your facility and waste management partners to legal and financial risks.
Regulatory bodies impose strict guidelines for the disposal of cannabis waste, and non-compliance results in fines, penalties, or even the loss of licenses. Plus, in the event of an explosion, fire, or work-related injury, the responsible party can be held legally and financially liable for damages.
These accidents or compliance violations can damage a company’s reputation.
How to Off-Gas Cannabis Biomass in a C1D1 Room
Treated cannabis must be off-gassed for at least 24 hours in a C1D1 environment before it is considered off-gassed, but it oftentimes takes up to 48 hours or more. Here are the steps to follow.
Train Staff Members: Provide regular training to personnel involved in the process on proper handling protocols, safety measures, and compliance requirements for operating in a C1D1 room.
Ensure Proper Ventilation: Verify that the ventilation system is capable of removing VOCs and is operational, with all air filters and exhaust systems in working order.
Spread the Biomass Evenly: Distribute the biomass on trays, screens, or other porous surfaces to allow airflow from all sides. This prevents the gases from settling into layers, a phenomenon known as stratification. For instance, since butane is heavier than air, it will accumulate in low areas. In the event of being off-gassed, it will remain for a relatively long time without dissipating. Some cases of improperly off-gassed biomass have taken one month to dissipate its high levels of butane.
Allow Time for Off-Gassing: Off-gassing requires several full days, depending on the residual solvent and concentration. For thicker piles or high concentrations of solvent, agitate the biomass periodically to ensure even off-gassing.
Monitor Vapor Levels: Use gas detectors to ensure vapor levels fall below acceptable thresholds as specified by local safety standards. Plus, facilities using hazardous solvents for extraction should always have a combustible gas monitor on-site to continuously track vapor levels.
Implement Fire Safety Measures: Ensure there are no open flames, sparks, or other ignition sources present in or near the C1D1 room, and verify the room’s fire suppression system is operational and meets safety regulations.
Conduct a Final Inspection: Avoid adding improperly off-gassed biomass to a receptacle; this is extremely difficult to remediate. Instead, verify that residual solvents have been thoroughly off-gassed before removing the biomass, which can then be transferred to sealed containers for transport and disposal.
Team Up With Monarch Waste Co.
Monarch Waste Co. is committed to providing practical, solution-oriented support that helps facilities manage cannabis waste removal and disposal with confidence. Our team will collaborate with you to identify the most practical solutions for ensuring your biomass is fully off-gassed, whether that involves process adjustments, training, or on-site evaluations.
Learn how we can meet your unique needs by contacting us today and scheduling a consultation! We look forward to working with you.