Question 1

What does a recirculating chiller do in cannabis extraction?

Accepted Answer

A recirculating chiller circulates temperature-controlled fluid in a closed loop to remove heat from process equipment. In extraction it cools rotary-evaporator and distillation condensers, holds jacketed reactors and crystallization vessels at setpoint, and pre-cools solvent for hydrocarbon and ethanol workflows. Stable low temperatures support solvent recovery, winterization, and distillation.

Question 2

How do I size a cannabinoid chiller for my process?

Accepted Answer

Size by two figures together: the lowest temperature you need to reach and the cooling capacity (heat removal) available at that temperature. Start from the equipment you are cooling and its required setpoint, then confirm the chiller provides enough capacity at that setpoint to keep up with the heat your process adds. Also check that pump flow and pressure can move fluid through your condenser or jacket. Reading capacity at your actual operating temperature, not just the minimum temperature, prevents undersizing.

Question 3

What temperature does a CBD extraction chiller need to reach?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the step. Condenser cooling for solvent recovery, winterization to drop waxes and lipids out of solution, and crystallization each call for different setpoints, and colder is not always better if it outpaces the available cooling capacity. Choose a chiller whose usable capacity at your target temperature matches the thermal load of the specific process you run.

Question 4

What coolant or fluid should I use in a recirculating chiller?

Accepted Answer

Use a heat-transfer fluid rated for your lowest operating temperature and compatible with the chiller and your wetted components. Many low-temperature applications use a glycol-and-water mixture or a dedicated low-temperature fluid, while water alone is only suitable above its freezing point. Follow the unit documentation for fluid type, concentration, and maintenance, since the wrong fluid can freeze in the lines or reduce heat transfer.

Question 5

Can one recirculating chiller cool more than one piece of equipment?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, but only if its cooling capacity and pump output cover the combined thermal load and flow demands of everything connected at the same time. Adding a second condenser or reactor increases both the heat to remove and the flow required, which can pull temperatures off setpoint. When in doubt, size for the total simultaneous load or dedicate a chiller to the most demanding step.

Question 6

What is the difference between a recirculating chiller and a water bath or circulator?

Accepted Answer

A recirculating chiller is built primarily to remove heat and hold low temperatures in a closed loop driven by a pump, which is what cold extraction steps require. A heated circulator or water bath is oriented toward holding or raising temperature. Some applications pair the two, but for condenser cooling, winterization, and other sub-ambient work, a recirculating chiller sized to the load is the appropriate tool.

Extraction

Temperature Control

Processing

Separation

Drying

Support Equipment

Recirculating Chillers

DLSB 400L-30℃ Recirculating Chiller — 16HP, 220/380/480V

Low-Temperature Recirculating Chiller — 2000L, -30°C, 39HP

Frequently asked questions

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