Abstract: Apparatus and method for heating and cooling a refrigerant are described. The refrigerant, which may be contained in the core of a jacketed container, is cooled by depressurization and evaporation of a portion of the refrigerant also contained in the jacket of the container. The vapor resulting from the evaporation is directed to the inlet of a compressor for pressurizing the vapor, which is then passed through a condenser where heat is removed causing the high-pressure refrigerant vapor to transition to hot vapor, warm liquid, and cold vapor. Heat generated by compression of the hydrocarbon refrigerant vapor to a state of super-heated vapor may be directed to the jacket of a vessel requiring heating.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for evaporating and condensing liquids in the absence of external heating and cooling, respectively, are described. A volatile liquid, such as a hydrocarbon solvent, contained in either the core or outer chambers of a jacketed container, is cooled by depressurization, which results in auto-refrigeration of the liquid as it evaporates. The resulting vapor from the evaporation may be directed to the inlet of a compressor, where the vapor is pressurized and heated as a result of the pressurization process, forming a compressed, heated vapor, and then directed into the other chamber of the jacketed container from which it was vaporized. Heat is removed from the compressed, heated vapor by the auto-cooled liquid in the other chamber causing the hot, pressurized vapor to transition in turn to a hot vapor, a cooler vapor, a warm liquid, and finally a cold liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extraction of oils from botanical material using high-pressure hydrocarbons such as propane, or butane, or mixtures thereof are described. A high-pressure propane or butane saturated liquid/vapor mixture formed by pressure reduction through a valve placed before an extraction column, thereby serving as an expansion port was employed. The apparatus is capable of both continuous liquid extraction or batch-style liquid operation through the use of a manifold valve, which directs the solvent liquid/vapor in the system to either a supply tank or an extraction column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extraction of oils from botanical material using high-pressure hydrocarbons such as propane, or butane, or mixtures thereof are described. A high-pressure propane or butane saturated liquid/vapor mixture formed by pressure reduction through a valve placed before an extraction column, thereby serving as an expansion port was employed. The apparatus is capable of both continuous liquid extraction or batch-style liquid operation through the use of a manifold valve, which directs the solvent liquid/vapor in the system to either a supply tank or an extraction column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extraction of oils from botanical material using high-pressure hydrocarbons such as propane, or butane, or mixtures thereof are described. A high-pressure propane or butane saturated liquid/vapor mixture formed by pressure reduction through a valve placed before an extraction column, thereby serving as an expansion port was employed. The apparatus is capable of both continuous liquid extraction or batch-style liquid operation through the use of a manifold valve, which directs the solvent liquid/vapor in the system to either a supply tank or an extraction column.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for heating and cooling a refrigerant are described. The refrigerant, which may be contained in the core of a jacketed container, is cooled by depressurization and evaporation of a portion of the refrigerant also contained in the jacket of the container. The vapor resulting from the evaporation is directed to the inlet of a compressor for pressurizing the vapor, which is then passed through a condenser where heat is removed causing the high-pressure refrigerant vapor to transition to hot vapor, warm liquid, and cold vapor. Heat generated by compression of the hydrocarbon refrigerant vapor to a state of super-heated vapor may be directed to the jacket of a vessel requiring heating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extraction of oils from botanical material using high-pressure hydrocarbons such as propane, or butane, or mixtures thereof are described. A high-pressure propane or butane saturated liquid/vapor mixture formed by pressure reduction through a valve placed before an extraction column, thereby serving as an expansion port was employed. The apparatus is capable of both continuous liquid extraction or batch-style liquid operation through the use of a manifold valve, which directs the solvent liquid/vapor in the system to either a supply tank or an extraction column.

Abstract: The use transmission/absorbance of visible light to determine accurate separation of distillation products emerging from a condenser is described. Changes in wavelength and intensity of light transmitted through or absorbed by the distillate, post condenser, determine when a new fraction passes through the condenser, and may be directed to an appropriate collection vessel.