We are excited to introduce Jake Rubenstein, the President & CEO of N.N. Analytics, as our first guest contributor to the Vape-Jet crew blog! Established in 2015, N.N. Analytics is a leading consulting and scientific support firm in the rapidly growing vaping industry. With an ISO 17025-accredited laboratory and a diverse team of professionals in regulatory compliance, manufacturing, software, and reverse engineering, N.N. Analytics helps their clients navigate the complex world of national and international regulation. With customers like Cilicon+, AVD, and Blinc you can trust that the team at N.N. is one of the best labs in the industry.
As a full-service nicotine, e-liquid, and cannabis/hemp testing laboratory out of San Diego, California, N.N. Analytics provides numerous services, including vape cartridge leak and performance testing to help eliminate cartridge loss and improper formulations. They’ve even developed their own aerosol testing apparatuses to ensure the highest standards of results.
At MJBizCon, the Vape-Jet crew bonded with Jake over our shared love of the science behind great cannabis products. Together, we look forward to providing our customers with even more comprehensive support in assessing their oil and hardware for optimal performance, standardizing their formulations, minimizing end-user returns, and achieving better customer satisfaction and success.
What Causes Vape Cartridge Failures?
Most common vape cartridge failures are caused by improper hardware selection for that specific oil formulation, leading to poor performance within the hardware. For example, selecting hardware that’s not well-suited for the thicker nature of live rosin, or vice versa for less viscous distillate oils.
So how do you measure performance?
We measure key variables of the oil and cartridge combination. Proper performance of an oil and cartridge combination starts with a regulated oil feed rate into the coil atomizer, allowing for atomization of oil into the vapor phase at a constant and predictable rate, without leaks or dry, clogged hits.
Of course, it’s also essential to understand the fundamental differences between leaks and clogs. A vape cartridge leak occurs when the material exits or oozes from the mouthpiece. A vape cartridge clog occurs when the oil thickens or solidifies and blocks airflow, preventing the hit altogether.
Now, let’s look at the reasons vape cartridges fail in a bit more depth.
The Top 5 Reasons for Vape Cartridges Failures
First, Some Definitions
Rheology—studies the deformation of the flow of material, and in this case, the liquid flowing through a vape cartridge reservoir into the vaporization chamber and out of the mouthpiece.
Viscosity—a measure of a liquid’s thickness and ability to deform to a container/force when pressure or heat is applied.
Shear-Rate—the stickiness of a liquid and how strong it clings to a container or surface.
Elastic Modulus—a liquid’s ability to stretch when a force is applied, either by pressure or by heat.
Tensile Modulus—a liquid’s ability to resist deformation when a force is applied, either by pressure or by heat.
Diagnosing a Leaking Cartridge
When it comes to leaking cartridges, it’s not always apparent that a device is malfunctioning. If you’re ever unsure, here are a few telltale signs to diagnose a leaky device:
- Oil residue: The most apparent sign is finding (or feeling) that signature sticky extract residue, near the mouthpiece or battery
- Gurgling: If you hear gurgling or can feel air bubbles working their way out as you hit the device, that’s a sign that leakage is occurring somewhere internally.
- Difficulty pulling: Any resistance when attempting to inhale, or difficulty in hits, is another sign that your device could be leaking.
To inspect and verify the diagnosis, here are step-by-step instructions for inspecting your vape cart or all-in-one device for leaks:
- Check its fill level to see if it’s overfilled.
- Inspect seals and threads for signs of misalignment or physical damage.
- Examine the cartridge for cracks or damage.
- Test different power settings and heats.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs above or uncover signs of physical damage during your inspection, unfortunately, it’s best to replace the cartridge altogether. Continuing use can further damage the battery device. If you don’t want the material to go to waste, however, be aware of the risks you’re taking, and consider purchasing a new battery for the next vape cart you purchase.
How to Fix a Leaking Cartridge
So…you’ve completed your inspection and confirmed, you’ve got a leaking cartridge. Now what? Let’s review a few DIY ways to fix the leaky cart, or device, next.
- Clean connections and airway: Remove cartridge and wipe excess concentrate.
- Attach carefullly: Tighten, but don’t overtighten to ensure the cartridge is properly attached without stripping threads. Attaching it misligned, or forcing it, can crack the cartridge’s glass.
- Store upright: Always keep cartridges vertical or upright when not in use, to avoid the extract from seeping into the mouthpiece, or leaking out the bottom.
- Replace damaged parts: Swap worn o‑rings or seals on your battery device, or replace the cartridge if leaks persist.
- Adjust usage & battery settings: Use the recommended voltage to avoid overheating and take slower draws to prevent flooding.
- Never leave carts in a hot car: Heat thins oil which can increase the chance for leaks, so avoid leaving your cartridge or all-in-one device in a hot vehicle or space.
How to Fix a Clogged Cartridge
If you’re experiencing a cartridge that’s clogging, rather than leaking, there are a few DIY tips and tricks you can employ to help. First, start with preheating the battery to soften or thin out the concentrate. Simply press the power button a few times without inhaling, or for auto-draw devices, inhale to start heating without drawing.
Another method involves an everyday tool you likely have in your bathroom: a hairdryer. Simply apply high or low heat to the cart or device to heat it from the outside. If you suspect your airway is clogged, try clearing it with a pointy tool like a paper clip or bobby pin. Lastly, if none of these work, replace the cartridge if clogging persists.
Keep in mind, there is some risk involved when clearing clogs, as oil can flood the airway, leading to leaks. So, no matter which method you choose, be sure to go low and slow, testing, adjusting, or troubleshooting as you go.
How to Prevent Vape Cartridge Leaks
Before you go, and to conclude our complete guide to the science behind vape cartridge failures, let’s summarize the steps you can take to prevent them from happening in the first place.
- Quality matters: Only purchase quality cartridges from reputable brands, which are more likely to conduct lengthy R&D processes to fine-tune hardware and viscosities.
- Proper storage: Even with a quality device, storing your device upright in a cool, dry place and avoiding direct sunlight or leaving in hot cars is crucial to preventing leaks.
- Check equipment: Before taking your first hit, do a thorough inspection of the vape cart or device, checking seals and threads. Then, don’t over-tighten for optimal use!
- Avoid overfills: Spot an overfilled cartridge? See if you can return for a more accurately filled cart to avoid damage to your battery device, and to prevent messy leaks.
- Smooth and steady: Vaping is no race to the finish line. Be sure you’re using the right voltage, or power for your material, and take slow steady draws for a gradual heat up.
- Switch it up: If you’re continually having issues with your battery device, and vape carts, consider disposables or all-in-one devices. These devices can be pre-programmed by the brand, to specifically avoid common malfunctions that cause clogs or leaks.
FAQs: Leaking Carts
Still have questions? We’ve got answers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about vape cartridge failures, along with solutions to support them.
- Why is my cart leaking into my mouth?
Carts typically leak out the mouthpiece when an excess of extract seeps out of the cart. This is often due to various reasons, such as the room temperature thinning the oil, overheating or overpriming, or storing a cartridge on its side or upside down.
- Are leaking vapes dangerous?
While not typically “hazardous” or dangerous, leaking vapes do expose you to unvaporized extracts. This could potentially irritate your skin, but it also creates a sticky mess and wastes product. To help avoid irritation, always clean your cart or device’s mouthpiece before use.
- Can clogs cause leaks?
Yes. When airflow is blocked, pressure can build up in the cartridge and force oil out through seams or the mouthpiece. Following the tips in our guide here, for regular maintenance and proper storage help minimize both issues.
- Why do some vape cartridges clog more often than others?
Certain oils with thicker viscosity or higher terpene content are more prone to clogging, especially if stored in cooler environments. Cartridge design and hardware quality also play a major role.
- Can temperature changes cause leaks or clogs?
Yes. Extreme heat can thin oil and lead to leaks, while cold temperatures can thicken oil and cause clogs. Proper storage at room temperature helps prevent both issues.
Joining Forces: Vape‑Jet x N.N. Analytics
Understanding the reasons vape cartridges fail is crucial to creating and producing a high-quality and reliable product. Whether it is due to hardware selection, leaks, clogs, hardware issues, or improper coil-wicking material selection, having the proper knowledge and resources can help prevent common vape cartridge failures.
But where do we go from here?
Stay tuned for our next article, where we discuss practical solutions to overcome these common vape cartridge failures and provide guidance for achieving enhanced product performance and a smoother vaping experience. If you’re looking to optimize your vape cartridge formulations, minimize returns, and achieve better results, you’re in the right spot.
Browse N.N. Analytics’ Complete Services
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Vape Cartridge Failures: The Bottom Line
As you’ve learned here, often the most common vape cartridge failures aren’t due to user error, but rather from a mismatch between the material and hardware. Say it with us…leaks and clogs are preventable! It simply takes quality hardware, proper storage, and correct usage to avoid malfunctions that can steer customers away from your brand.
Bookmark this guide to review the fixes and troubleshooting tips for your specific vape cartridge or all-in-one device. Need more help? Our Vape-Jet team is equipped and on-call to support. Contact Vape-Jet for expert help, or begin exploring our fleet of future-ready equipment designed to increase efficiency, without compromising quality:
- Vape-Jet, a fully automatic vape filling solution
- Jet-Fueler, a semi-automatic vape filling solution
- All products and accessories