Illuminated Extractors Ltd. has a patent for its heating and refrigeration system, which is a game-changing advancement in hydrocarbon extraction and industrial thermal management.
This innovative technology, developed by inventor Zachary Richard Lantz, is set to redefine efficiency, safety, and versatility in extraction processes and beyond.
The newly patented system introduces a novel apparatus and method for heating and cooling refrigerants, specifically optimised for hydrocarbon extraction processes such as cannabinoid extraction.
By utilising hydrocarbon refrigerants like propane, butane, and isobutane, the system enables precise thermal control of extraction solvents, ensuring maximum yield and purity in cannabinoid extraction and other chemical extraction applications.
The technology's unique dual-chamber, jacketed container design allows for efficient heat transfer and rapid temperature changes, while the integrated compressor cycle generates superheated vapor, which is then condensed and recirculated for continuous, energy-efficient operation .
While the system is a breakthrough for hydrocarbon extraction, its impact extends far beyond the cannabis sector. The patented technology is engineered for versatility, offering precise temperature management and cryogenic capability for a wide range of industries, including:
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Enables strict thermal control for sensitive drug synthesis, formulation, and cold storage, supporting regulatory compliance and product integrity .
- Food Processing: Delivers rapid cooling and freezing for food safety, quality preservation, and extended shelf life.
- Industrial Chemical Manufacturing: Provides efficient process cooling and heating for temperature-sensitive reactions, distillation, and crystallization .
- Cryogenics and Advanced Refrigeration: Achieves ultra-low temperatures for applications in quantum computing, medical imaging (MRI), cryopreservation, and energy storage .
Key features of the Illuminated Extractors system include:
- Integrated Heating and Cooling: Reduces the need for multiple compressors and evaporators, streamlining operations and minimizing equipment footprint.
- Energy Efficiency: Maintains high efficiency and low power consumption, even at extreme or cryogenic temperatures, resulting in up to 40% energy savings compared to conventional systems.
- Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Compatibility: Utilizes low-GWP refrigerants, supporting sustainability and regulatory compliance.
- Enhanced Safety: Offers precise control under both positive and negative pressure conditions, reducing risks associated with volatile solvents.
- Scalability and Versatility: Adaptable for both small-scale laboratory and large-scale industrial operations.
According to industry data, advanced refrigeration systems like this can reduce energy consumption by 20–50 per cent, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support the transition to environmentally-friendly refrigerants .
Inventor and CTO of Illuminated Extractors, Zachary Richard Lantz, said the patented system represents a significant leap forward in extraction and industrial refrigeration technology.
“By combining efficient heat transfer, energy savings, and broad industrial applicability, we are setting a new standard for hydrocarbon extraction and thermal management across multiple sectors,” he said.