Frequently Asked Questions

The list below includes answers to the most common questions our customers have. If you need any additional information, don't hesitate to contact us directly.

  • Simplicity: Without a compressor-based chiller or auxiliary heater, the machine does exactly what it’s supposed to with no fuss.
  • Speed: 80 gallons per hour (300LPH) is fast. Integrating a Yellowstone FFE into your process removes the solvent recovery bottleneck.
  • Control: Everyone has a different process. The Yellowstone FFE allows you to precisely control the amount of solvent left over in your concentrate, creating seamless integration with downstream processes.
  • Floor Space: Extraction booths aren’t cheap, so floor space is valuable. Measuring at just 4’x4’ and 8’ tall, the Yellowstone FFE will comfortably fit into just about any workspace.
Yellowstone designs equipment for farmers and processors looking to refine biomass with a value-added extraction process. Food processors, essential oil extractors, and hemp processors at a commercial or industrial scale can integrate a Yellowstone FFE into their process. Our system is suitable for anyone looking to separate solvent from food grade concentrates.
Fill out our contact form for information on custom applications.

The ethanol vapor passes through our patent-pending Diffusion Condenser and converts into liquid ethanol. The diffusion of the bubbles quickly dissipates heat into the liquid ethanol and condenses the ethanol vapor. The excess heat is then removed from the liquid ethanol via a plate exchanger to water, which is being circulated through the outdoor radiator. The radiator has a fan which efficiently transfers the heat from the water stream to the atmosphere.

FUN FACT: you can get an extra radiator and use the excess heat from your system to heat your lab in the winter!

The amount of ethanol remaining in the concentrate is controlled by three factors: the concentration of the solution going in, the temperature of the falling film, and the rate at which the solution enters the evaporator. Higher percentages of solvents can be removed by either slowing down the feed or turning up the temperature. At the right rate and temperature, up to 99% of solvent can be removed.
The radiator is able to adequately cool the condenser in ambient temperatures up to 122 °F (50 °C).
The Falling Film Evaporator is designed to operate at atmospheric pressure. However, if you prefer to operate under vacuum, that is easily achieved with a low CFM pump.
Typically the residence time in the Falling Film Evaporator is 5 seconds, at a maximum temperature of 90 °C. While it is true that heat can degrade some desired compounds, the dwell time in this process is minimal, especially when compared to commonly used post-processing steps, such as decarboxylation.
The system operates by calibrating the inlet feed rate such that the last of the solvent is evaporating at the bottom of the falling film. The continuous evaporation prevents the concentrate from exceeding the boiling point of the solvent. For example, if ethanol is being evaporated, the concentrate temperature would not exceed approximately 80°C
Automatic inlet and draining make the Yellowstone Falling Film Evaporator truly continuous, meaning batches can be as large or small as you like.
Yes. cold inlet temperatures pose no problem to the system.
The system has an integrated cleaning cycle, where warm solvent is circulated through the system for a few minutes after each run. The cleaning cycle will be sufficient for most routine cleaning, while deeper cleaning may be needed according to facilities maintenance protocols.
Yes. The machine is designed for use in Class 1 Division 2 locations, and is assembled using properly rated and approved components.

The system consists of three components: the Falling Film Evaporator skid, the outdoor radiator, and the electrical panel.

The Evaporator is 4’x4’ and under 8’ tall. An area of about 3’ directly in front of the unit should be available for the operator. The outdoor radiator measures 4’x7’x4’ and is typically installed on the roof or outside the building.

The main electrical cabinet is 36”x48” and 12” deep. It is typically installed outside of the hazardous location, but machine-mounted, gas purged options are available, depending on facility requirements and local regulations.

Our system was designed with ease of use in mind. Once they have been trained, any operator with equipment operating experience will have no problems running our system.
We offer comprehensive training at installation for all operators, as well as an operator’s manual and access to our online instructive videos. We also have a team of highly knowledgeable technical support staff to help troubleshoot. We are here to help you succeed.
One operator can comfortably start and run this machine.
The Falling Film Evaporator units ship with everything required for operation; all you need to supply is your inlet and outlet vessels. A compressor supplying dry, oil-free air will be necessary if you elect to have a skid-mounted panel.
Yes there is a HMI set to be released in the near future.
Yellowstone Extraction systems are available worldwide, however our standard servicing is only available in Canada and the United States
We do! Please contact us for details.
Please contact us to get additional details on our warranty policy.
Yes! We will be starting live demos in Washington State. Contact us to set up a demo.
Please fill out our contact form and we will be happy to send you over a detailed quote.