Founded 1966

Industry Leader in Laboratory Distillation Equipment

For over 55 years, B/R Instrument has been at the forefront of distillation technology, serving customers worldwide with innovative solutions for cannabis processing, petroleum testing, and solvent recycling.

55+

Years of Excellence

Serving industries since 1966

500+

Systems Installed

Worldwide installations

50+

Countries Served

Global reach and support

24/7

Technical Support

Always here to help

Our Founding Story

Built on partnership and innovation

Roger Roark Sr.
Harry Brown

B/R Instrument was founded in 1966 by Roger Roark Sr. and Harry Brown. The name B/R comes from the first letter of each founder's last name: Brown / Roark = B/R.

Originally a manufacturer of general glassware, the company began to specialize in spinning band distillation systems in 1968 under a DuPont patent. From the beginning, the company attracted interest from both domestic and international customers.

B/R

Brown + Roark = B/R

Our Innovation Timeline

55+ years of technological advancement

1966

Company Founded

B/R Instrument founded by Roger Roark Sr. and Harry Brown as a general glassware manufacturer.

1968

Spinning Band Specialization

Began specializing in spinning band distillation systems under a DuPont patent, attracting international customers.

1980

Automation Revolution

Brought automation to distillation with our first programmer, reducing operator attention and adding safety features.

1986

Solvent Recycling

Entered histology market with solvent recycling systems, reducing hospital waste by 85%.

1990

Petroleum Market

Expanded into petroleum with crude oil distillation systems and ASTM D1160 vacuum distillation models.

1991

Dedicated Facility

Built dedicated facility in Easton, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay for expanded production and training.

1995

All-Metal Systems

Introduced all-metal solvent recyclers for enhanced safety and durability, plus the first formalin recycler.

1997

PC Integration

Early adopter of PC integration into distillation control systems for enhanced automation.

2005

Stainless Steel Systems

Expanded into complete stainless steel distillation systems and custom pilot scale designs.

2015-16

Cannabis Revolution

Sharp increase in cannabis oil purification. Introduced the 9200 system for high-purity cannabinoids.

2018

Higher Throughput

Introduced higher throughput cannabis/hemp distillation systems to meet growing market demand.

2019

Complete Cannabis Solutions

Introduced crystallization, winterization, decarbing, and liquid/liquid extraction systems.

2020

Solvent-Free THC Remediation

Launched solvent-free THC remediation equipment for CBD oil, revolutionizing the process.

Easton, Maryland

Located on the beautiful shores of the Chesapeake Bay

Our dedicated 20,000 sq ft facility in Easton, Maryland serves as our headquarters for manufacturing, engineering, and customer training. The location provides easy access to major East Coast markets while offering a skilled workforce and excellent shipping logistics.

Why Maryland?
  • Central East Coast location
  • Skilled manufacturing workforce
  • Excellent shipping and logistics
  • Close to major research universities
B/R Instrument Facility

Markets We Serve

Diverse industries, specialized solutions

Cannabis & Hemp

Complete processing solutions from extraction to finished products

Petroleum Testing

ASTM compliant systems for crude oil analysis and quality control

Healthcare & Histology

Solvent recycling systems reducing waste and costs

Essential Oils

High-purity distillation for aromatherapy and cosmetics

Research & Development

Laboratory-scale systems for universities and R&D labs

Chemical Processing

Custom pilot and production scale distillation systems

Ready to Work with the Industry Leader?

Join thousands of satisfied customers worldwide who trust B/R Instrument for their distillation needs.