Botanical Extraction Chillers

Why Chillers Matter

The Chiller's Role in Botanical Extraction

Commercial botanical extraction — including cannabis processing — uses solvents such as ethanol, hydrocarbons (butane/propane), CO2, or ice water to isolate active compounds and terpenes from plant material. The extraction vessel and post-processing equipment must be held at precise temperatures, typically −65°F to 35°F depending on the solvent and target extract, to maximize yield and preserve volatile terpenes. Temperature stability is non-negotiable: fluctuations cause inconsistent extraction efficiency, compound degradation, and batch-to-batch variation that fails potency and purity testing.

The chiller maintains the isothermal conditions that determine product quality, compliance results, and the commercial viability of every run. It also drives solvent recovery — condensing and collecting solvent after extraction so it can be reused, which directly reduces operating costs and waste. Whether you're running ethanol pre-cooling at −80°C, hydrocarbon condensing at −58°F, or an ice-water extraction bath, the chiller is the piece of equipment the entire process runs through.

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Chiller Series

Four Series. Every Extraction Temperature.

From standard low-temp solventless cooling to ultra-low temperature ethanol pre-cooling at -80°C — every series is purpose-built for extraction.

LT Series

Low Temp Series

10°F

-12°C · ½–30 Ton

Reliable cooling for solventless, hydroponic, and solvent recovery processes requiring moderately low temperatures. Consistent and efficient performance across the full capacity range.

ELT Series

Extra Low Temp Series

-22°F

-30°C · 2–20 Ton

Engineered for reliable cooling at extremely low temperatures. Ensures consistent, efficient cooling crucial for maintaining stability and quality in extraction and solvent recovery processes.

SLT Series

Super Low Temp Series

-58°F

-50°C · 4–30 Ton

Powerful cooling for extraction processes demanding incredibly low temperatures. Ensures efficient solvent recovery and optimal performance for high-demand hydrocarbon and ethanol extraction operations.

ULT Series

Ultra-Low Temp Series

-112°F

-80°C · ½–30 Ton

The most extreme cooling for the most demanding extraction processes. Powerful cooling down to -112°F (-80°C) — the ideal choice for high-volume ethanol extraction requiring maximum compound purity.

Light Hydrocarbon Extraction

Solvent Recovery Condensing & Subcooling Combinations

Our Light Hydrocarbon Extraction Chillers are designed for Butane and Propane solvent recovery, providing high-efficiency cooling and hydrocarbon extraction subcooling at -65°F (-54°C).

Configuration	Capacity (70% Butane / 30% Propane)	Subcooled Solvent Temp
AG4000-SLT w/ AG1000-ULT	90 lbs/hr (1.5 lbs/min)	-65°F (-54°C)
AG5000-SLT w/ AG1000-ULT	120 lbs/hr (2 lbs/min)	-65°F (-54°C)
AG5000-ULT w/ AG5000-ECU	120 lbs/hr (2 lbs/min)	-65°F (-54°C)
AG5000-SLT w/ AG2000-ULT	210 lbs/hr (3.5 lbs/min)	-65°F (-54°C)
AG10000-SLT w/ AG2000-ULT	300 lbs/hr (5 lbs/min)	-65°F (-54°C)
AG10000-SLT w/ AG5000-ULT	420 lbs/hr (7 lbs/min)	-65°F (-54°C)
AG15000-SLT w/ AG5000-ULT	600 lbs/hr (10 lbs/min)	-65°F (-54°C)

* Capacity represents solvent mass flow rate, not biomass throughput.

Solvent Recovery

Maximizing Efficiency Through Solvent Recovery

Efficient solvent recovery reduces costs, improves yields, and keeps your operation compliant. AG Chill extraction chillers are engineered to optimize every stage of recovery.

Cost Savings

Reusing recovered solvents reduces the need for purchasing new solvents, leading to significant cost savings over time. Our chillers maximize recovery rates to protect your bottom line.

Environmental Sustainability

Efficient solvent recovery and reuse minimizes waste and reduces the environmental impact of your extraction process, aligning with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Enhanced Efficiency

Maximizing solvent recovery improves the overall efficiency of your extraction operations, leading to higher yields and better-quality products with less process downtime.

Regulatory Compliance

Efficient solvent recovery helps ensure compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards, protecting your operating license and permits.

What Our Customers Say

Trusted by Extraction Operations Across the Industry

Our AG-Chill chillers have been cranking without any issue all summer enduring many hard loaded weeks with temps above 100 outside! We are grateful to be able to rely on the consistent -65F solvent that your system provides.

Josh Lippold

Owner, Timberline CBD

I am honored to be a reference for AG-Optimists and your AG-Chill chillers. I have nothing but good things to say about these chillers and the service you and your team provide!

Brandon Swartzbaugh

Extraction Manager, Abstrax

One of our customers is planning on starting an RSO lab in Colorado. When I heard, I had to recommend you guys since I have seen what an amazing product your chillers produce firsthand.

Valerie Orta

Quality Manager, Labplex

This is the chiller equipment I would specify for outdoor installation at your facility. These guys have it dialed and are working toward some really cool advancements for energy savings as well.

Jef Frick

President, Spherex

From my experience in this industry, AG-Optimists offers much more design support than the others, which is of tremendous value. Their expertise was unique and reassuring.

Russell W. Birch, P.E.

Professional Engineer, IMEG

I really like working with AG-Optimists, their efforts are heroic.

Matthew Penner

Intertek

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an extraction chiller, and why is it important?

An extraction chiller is specialized equipment used to control and maintain the temperature of solvents and fluids during the extraction process. Temperature control is critical to ensuring efficiency and quality — it enables solvent recovery and preserves sensitive compounds that degrade at higher temperatures.

Are AG Chill chillers used for cannabis extraction?

Yes. AG Chill extraction chillers are widely used in licensed cannabis extraction — ethanol, hydrocarbon (butane/propane), and solventless processing. The LT, ELT, SLT, and ULT series cover the full temperature range these operations need, from solventless and standard work down to -80°C ethanol pre-cooling for winterization and solvent recovery.

How does solvent recovery work with an extraction chiller?

Solvent recovery involves condensing and collecting the solvent used in extraction so it can be reused. The chiller maintains the temperatures required for condensing and subcooling recovered solvents. Efficient recovery reduces solvent purchase costs, minimizes waste, and improves the sustainability of your operation.

What heat transfer fluids work best for ultra-low temperature extraction?

For ultra-low temperature applications, fluids with excellent thermal stability and low viscosity at low temperatures are required — such as Dynalene MV, Syltherm XLT, and ethanol. The right choice depends on your specific temperature requirements, equipment compatibility, and safety considerations. Our team can help you select the best fluid for your system.

How do I choose the right extraction chiller series?

Selection depends on your extraction method (ethanol, hydrocarbon, solventless), required fluid outlet temperature, throughput volume, and ambient conditions. The LT series covers solventless and standard applications. ELT handles mid-range ethanol. SLT supports hydrocarbon subcooling. ULT handles deep ethanol pre-cooling down to -80°C. Use the chiller sizing calculator on the homepage for a preliminary recommendation, then confirm with an engineer.

Can extraction chillers be integrated into existing systems?

Yes. AG Chill extraction chillers are designed to integrate into most existing extraction setups. Whether expanding your current configuration, upgrading a legacy chiller, or building a new extraction room from scratch, our chillers can be adapted to fit with minimal disruption to your workflow.

What are the maintenance requirements for extraction chillers?

Our extraction chillers are built for durability and ease of maintenance. Routine maintenance includes checking fluid levels, inspecting for leaks, and verifying all components are operating within spec. Detailed maintenance guidelines are provided with each unit, and our engineering team is available to assist with any questions.

Why AG Chill

How We Compare to the Alternatives

Extraction is one of the most temperature-demanding processes in any industry. Generic industrial chillers weren't designed for it — AG Chill was.

Purpose-Built for Extraction

Generic industrial chillers are often repurposed for extraction without proper fluid loop design for solvent compatibility. AG Chill systems are configured for extraction environments from the start — glycol loops compatible with hydrocarbon and ethanol processes, not adapted from a food or HVAC application.

Full Temperature Range in One Lineup

Competitors typically serve one temperature tier — precision lab chillers for small-scale work, or large industrial systems for general cooling. AG Chill covers the full extraction temperature range from solventless extraction at 34°F to cryo-ethanol at −80°C, all from a single manufacturer.

No Lab-Scale Limitations

Precision lab chiller brands are familiar in extraction — but they're designed for benchtop research, not commercial throughput. AG Chill systems scale from half a ton to 30 tons in the same series, built for production-rate solvent flows, not sample-size batches.

USA Manufacturing

Extraction operations can't afford long lead times on replacement equipment. AG Chill manufactures in Salt Lake City — faster delivery, direct service support, and no import delays when a system needs service or a part needs to be replaced mid-season.

Knowledge Base

Case Studies

Real-world results from botanical extraction customers — documented process cooling solutions and outcomes.

Case Studies Coming Soon

We are documenting extraction customer installations and results. These will be published here as case studies are completed. Have a project to discuss? We are happy to walk through your specific application.

Discuss Your Application

What's at Stake

What Happens When the Chiller Fails

An extraction chiller failure mid-run doesn't just pause production — it can destroy the entire batch.

If the chiller fails mid-extraction or can't maintain setpoint during a 12–48 hour run, the solvent warms, extraction kinetics shift, and the active compound and terpene profiles degrade. A failed batch of extracted material — often worth $50K–$150K before testing — becomes unsalable if it doesn't meet potency specs or accumulates residual solvent above legal limits. In states with strict chain-of-custody and testing requirements, a contaminated batch is destroyed, not resold. Extraction equipment downtime also cascades: downstream distillation and processing backs up, delivery commitments slip, and the facility loses revenue for every day offline.

$150K

Maximum extracted batch value at risk per run

12–48 hrs

Typical extraction run length — one failure ruins the whole campaign

Zero

Recovery options once a batch fails residual solvent testing

Who This Is For

We Work With All Stages of the Buying Process

Whether you're researching options or ready to order, AG Chill can help.

Researching Options

Cultivation managers and head growers transitioning into extraction. Searching for ethanol extraction temperature requirements, hydrocarbon condensing cooling systems, and what chiller they need for solventless extraction operations.

Comparing Systems

Extraction leads and operations managers at dedicated extraction facilities. Evaluating chiller reliability, temperature precision (±1–2°F), solvent-compatible glycol loop integration, 24/7 support, and warranty coverage for commercial production demands.

Ready to Specify

Facility directors and heads of operations at licensed commercial extraction operations. Need proven extraction industry references, compliance documentation, installation and commissioning in under two weeks, and financing options for large systems.

Total Botanical Extraction
Temperature Control

The Chiller's Role in Botanical Extraction