Highlights;
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Patent Issuance: Illuminated Extractors Ltd. receives U.S. Patent US12135149 for a novel heating and refrigeration system, developed by Zachary Richard Lantz, targeting hydrocarbon extraction and thermal management.
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Technology Overview: The system uses hydrocarbon refrigerants (propane, butane, isobutane) for precise thermal control, enhancing yield and purity in extraction. It features a dual-chamber design for efficient heat transfer, rapid temperature changes, and an energy-efficient compressor cycle for continuous operation.
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Broad Applications: Extends beyond cannabis to pharmaceuticals, food processing, industrial chemicals, and cryogenics, offering solutions for drug synthesis, food safety, process cooling, and quantum computing.
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Key Features:
- Integrated heating and cooling, reducing equipment needs.
- Energy efficiency with up to 40% savings.
- Use of eco-friendly, low-GWP refrigerants.
- Enhanced safety with precise control under varying pressures.
- Scalability from lab to industrial use.
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Environmental Benefits: Reduces energy consumption and emissions, supporting a shift to environmentally friendly refrigerants.
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Vision and Leadership: Positioned as a breakthrough by CTO Zachary Lantz, aiming to set new standards in extraction and thermal management across industries.
[PRESS RELEASE] – FORT COLLINS, Colo., Aug. 29, 2025 – Illuminated Extractors Ltd. is thrilled to announce the issuance of U.S. Patent US12135149 for its groundbreaking heating and refrigeration system, a transformative innovation in hydrocarbon extraction and industrial thermal management. Developed by inventor Zachary Richard Lantz, this pioneering technology is poised to revolutionize efficiency, safety, and versatility across extraction processes and beyond.
Next-Generation Hydrocarbon Extraction
The newly patented system introduces an innovative apparatus and method for heating and cooling refrigerants, specifically designed for hydrocarbon extraction processes, including cannabinoid extraction. By utilizing hydrocarbon refrigerants such as propane, butane, and isobutane, the system enables precise thermal control of extraction solvents, ensuring optimal yield and purity in cannabinoid extraction and other chemical extraction applications. The technology’s dual-chamber, jacketed container design facilitates 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.
Expanding Applications Across Industries
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, ensuring regulatory compliance and product integrity.
- Food Processing: Provides rapid cooling and freezing to enhance food safety, preserve quality, and extend shelf life.
- Industrial Chemical Manufacturing: Delivers 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.
Breakthrough Features and Environmental Benefits
Key features of the Illuminated Extractors system include:
- Integrated Heating and Cooling: Reduces the need for multiple compressors and evaporators, simplifying 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%, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support the transition to environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Industry Leadership and Vision
“Our patented system represents a significant leap forward in extraction and industrial refrigeration technology,” said Zachary Richard Lantz, Chief Technology Officer of Illuminated Extractors. “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.”
