Illuminated Extractors, Ltd. announced the issuance of U.S. Patent US12135149 for a new heating and refrigeration system designed for hydrocarbon extraction and industrial thermal management. The technology, developed by inventor and company CTO Zachary Richard Lantz, is intended to improve efficiency, safety, and versatility in extraction processes and other applications.
The patented system introduces an apparatus and method for heating and cooling refrigerants, optimized for hydrocarbon extraction processes such as cannabinoid extraction. It uses hydrocarbon refrigerants including propane, butane, and isobutane to provide precise thermal control of solvents. The design features a dual-chamber, jacketed container for efficient heat transfer and rapid temperature changes. An integrated compressor cycle generates superheated vapor, which is condensed and recirculated for continuous operation.
According to the company, the system is engineered for use beyond cannabis extraction. Potential applications include pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, industrial chemical production, cryogenics, and advanced refrigeration. Examples cited are cold storage for pharmaceuticals, freezing and cooling in food processing, distillation and crystallization in chemical production, and ultra-low temperatures for medical imaging, cryopreservation, and energy storage.
Key features of the system include integrated heating and cooling within one unit, reduced equipment footprint, energy efficiency with reported savings of up to 40% compared to conventional systems, and compatibility with low-GWP hydrocarbon refrigerants. The company also highlights enhanced safety through precise control under both positive and negative pressure conditions and scalability for both laboratory and industrial operations.
“Our patented system represents a significant leap forward in extraction and industrial refrigeration technology,” said Zachary Richard Lantz. “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.”
