[PRESS RELEASE] – FORT COLLINS, Colo., Aug. 29, 2025 – Illuminated Extractors Ltd. is proud to announce the issuance of U.S. Patent US12135149 for its revolutionary heating and refrigeration system, 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.
Next-Generation Hydrocarbon Extraction
The newly patented system introduces a novel apparatus and method for heating and cooling refrigerants, specifically optimized for hydrocarbon extraction processes such as cannabinoid extraction. By utilizing 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.
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, 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 .
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, 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%, 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 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."
