Understanding Cartridge Clogging

Vape cartridges are ubiquitous in the cannabis industry, and it’s easy to see why: they provide an efficient, discrete, and user-friendly way to consume cannabis products. However, one of the most common issues with vape cartridges is that they can easily clog. In this blog post, we will explore some of the causes of clogging and discuss how to stop cartridges from clogging.

The Many Parts of the Clogging Problem

There is not one reason why a clogged cartridge occurs. Instead, it is a collection of factors, in which each plays a potential part leading up to that occurrence. The types of cannabis oils used, the construction of the vape device, and differences in temperatures, can converge to cause this problem. And understanding how each factor plays a role will answer that eternal question, “Why does my cart get clogged?”

Poor Quality Cartridges

One of the most common causes of cartridge clogging is poor quality cartridges. Many manufacturers cut corners to save money by using low-grade materials for their cartridges. These inferior materials are often prone to clogging due to their inability to properly absorb oils or concentrates. To avoid this issue as a cartridge consumer, be sure to skip the fake carts and buy high-quality cartridges from a reputable manufacturer at a licensed dispensary. To avoid this issue as a cannabis operator, you ask your manufacturer for data safety sheets and factory certifications to ensure that the cartridges have undergone testing and were manufactured following good manufacturing practices (GMP). 

Viscosity of Your Cannabis Extracts

The viscosity of your oil can be a major factor in causing your vape pen clogging up. It is important to have the correct aperture size for the intake holes within your 510 thread cartridge. If your oil is too thick, it can cause buildup in the cartridge, which leads to a clog. This can happen if you use an oil that is too viscous or if you leave your cartridge exposed to cold temperatures for too long, which increases its viscosity. To prevent this from happening, always keep your cartridges stored at room temperature and use oils with lower viscosities such as distillates or terpene-infused distillates.

Contaminants With Your Cartridge

Another common cause of clogs is contaminants in the oil itself. Contaminants can include plant matter, waxes, lipids, and other debris that are not properly filtered out during production or packaging. These contaminants can build up inside the cartridge over time and eventually lead to a clog. To avoid this issue, make sure that you only purchase oils from reputable companies who test their products for contaminants before shipping them out to customers.

Improper Filling Procedures

Another common cause of clogging is improper filling of the cartridge. If the centerpost within the cartridge is accidentally filled, it will cause blockage of the airways and clogging will occur. As a cannabis operator, it is important to have standard operating procedures in place for your cartridge filling and quality control. Whether you are manually filling cartridges individually or using an automated system, it is important to quality check your cartridges prior to the capping procedure.

Too Much Heat

Vape pens can be sensitive to the outside environment, which means they operate best when stored at room temperature. Excessive heat can cause oils or concentrates to break down faster than normal, leading them to build up in the cartridge over time and eventually clog it up completely. Be sure not to store your vape cartridge in direct sunlight or leave it in hot environments for extended periods of time as this could lead to clogging issues.‍

Premium Cartridge Hardware‍

In today’s market, the vape pen cartridges that have proven to be most resistant to clogging are constructed of ceramic instead of heavy metal alloys. And there is one ceramic cartridge in particular that has separated itself from the pack, the Zirco™ from S10 Labs. This state of the art cartridge is made from medical grade zirconia ceramics, a higher grade of ceramic, and is the first of its kind on the vaporization market. 

The zirconia ceramic material allows for better heat distribution so full oil absorption can occur even with the use of higher viscosity oils. It also eliminates clogging and leaking, and ensures there is absolutely no metal leaching or metallic taste. If you are tired of finding that your cart is clogged, then Zirco™ from S10 Labs is the cartridge for you.

Conclusion on Cartridge Clogging‍

Clogged 510 thread vape cartridges are a common problem among vapers and cannabis operators alike but they don’t have to be an unavoidable inconvenience. By understanding what can cause 510 thread vape cartridges to become clogged, you can take steps to ensure that your vape cartridge remains in good working condition for each and every hit. With these tips in mind, you should be able to enjoy clean vaping without having to worry about pesky clogs.

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