Abstract: A series of vertically oriented filters of decreasing pore size is sealed from the atmosphere. Pressurized gas is used to force the liquid to be filtered through the filters. The filter stages are thermally insulated from ambient temperatures in order to maintain the liquid passing through at a reduced temperature. Each filter stage has a removable lid, which provides convenient access for replacing the filter cartridge, allowing it to be changed without disturbing the thermally insulated sidewalls of the filter stage.

Abstract: Raw plant material is mixed with ethanol under pressure to extract essential elements. The resulting crude oil and ethanol with the dissolved essential elements is separated from the raw plant material and filtered to remove particulates, waxes, lipids, fats and dissolved impurities. The ethanol is then evaporated from the resulting mixture of crude oil and ethanol, and the remaining crude oil then undergoes decarboxylation and distillation to obtain the essential elements. The ethanol may be chilled before adding it to the raw plant material.