There is an old adage in the computer science industry: garbage in, garbage out. Simply put, bad input impacts the output/accuracy of the needed data.
At Kaplan Industries, we adapt this premise in our Hydrocarbon packaging business. Quality in quality out. This has been and continues to be our focus over the last 6 years since we entered this market.
What goes in is, basically, under our control: the quality of the instrument purity hydrocarbons, N-Butane, Propane, and Isobutane.
The cylinders used in the packaging of the product, the accessories, valves, dip tubes etc. and most importantly the process preparing the final packaged product shipped to the user.
The next process, the extraction itself, is under the control of the user. The results are critical as this is where the lengthy process ends, and money can be made or lost.
Critical Parts of Solvent Quality
So, what is it that Kapan Industries does that we believe sets our process apart and is critical to assure the quality/purity of the gas we supply and cylinders Kaplan packages it in?
Quality Gas
We only use gasses from reputable suppliers with an established history in the Gas Industry and able to provide instrument purity hydrocarbon gas at 99.5% grade or higher.
Testing Capabilities
In addition to receiving COA (Certificate of Analysis) from gas supplier, Kaplan, in 2023, invested in state-of-the-art gas analytical equipment so we can test and confirm, as a second verification, that the gas we received meets the instrument purity as certified by the supplier.
To do this, Kaplan utilizes an Agilent 8860 GC hydrocarbon analyzer and for moisture a Meeco Accupoint-2 1000 cc moisture transmitter.
We also test on a regular basis, the gas in our bulk storage tanks to assure the instrument purity rating is maintained as we continuously receive new shipments of hydrocarbon gas.
Cylinder Knowledge
For over 60 years Kaplan industries has been involved in the business of purchasing raw cylinders from around the world and domestically.
We process a myriad of sizes and finishes to meet customer demanding requirements in the Industrial Gas, Medical, welding and specialty gas industry. We used this experience and knowledge to provide the best quality and cost-effective cylinders to package hydrocarbons in.
The cylinders used are ones that most of the industry was already familiar with, DOT-4BA and 4BW, 20 and 100 Lb. cylinders typically used in the propane industry.
Cleaning
Even new cylinders are dirty, so every cylinder we handle needs to be cleaned to meet the application/gas it is intended for. For packaging the hydrocarbons, we took this to another whole level.
Kaplan developed a proprietary cylinder cleaning method specifically for hydrocarbon cylinders. Every new, as well as every recycled cylinder returned by customers to Kaplan for refilling, are cleaned, and marked to provide evidence of this cleaning.
We like to say: “what you don’t see can hurt you”. Clean cylinders = clean hydrocarbons = higher quality end product.
Filling
We believe that every customer should get the best fill possible for the cylinder size they are purchasing. Kaplan calculates fills based on the water capacity of cylinders and density of the gas(s) for mixtures specified by the customer.
Kaplan’s filling of single gas or multiple bi-fill, or tri-fill gasses is controlled precisely with electronic filing and weight gauges to assure the customer is getting the best fill and gas value.
Service
Having the best process is important but if you cannot meet the customers’ delivery requirements, the loop is not closed.
At Kaplan, we understand the cycles in the cannabis industry. When the growing is complete, processing the plant in a timely manner is critical to get the best end results. Again, this is where money is made or lost.
To provide critical delivery service, Kaplan has invested in a state-of-the-art facility, equipment, and people to ensure on time order processing and delivery to the customer.
In the first three years we went from one bulk storage tank to a total of four, with two tanks dedicated to N-Butane, one for propane, and one for Isobutane. Plenty of gas to meet every need!
We stock thousands of cylinders and the necessary approved CGA cylinder valves for liquid gasses and have the in-house ability to fabricate our own dip tubes and other miscellaneous items needed for our processes.
Final Word
The Solvent industry has an ever-changing landscape, and Kaplan understands the need to be flexible and look to the future needs of the industry. We see changes coming to the industry by way of government and industry mandates as the approval of cannabis use in more states increases.
As a result, Kaplan is actively participating in providing information from experience to Industry organizations such as CGA, ISO, ASTM to name a few, to help develop newer, safer, and cost-efficient methods for the supply of hydrocarbon gasses.
