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Cannabis Chiller FAQ


Discover answers to the following frequently asked questions (FAQ) about cannabis chiller systems:

  • How does a cannabis chiller work?

  • What is the best chiller for cannabis extraction?

  • What cannabis extraction equipment should I invest in?

  • What type of maintenance does a cannabis chiller need?

  • What is the coldest fluid temperature you can provide?

  • What is the difference between a chiller for a grow room and a chiller for extraction?

  • Are Drake cannabis chiller systems reliable?

  • What type of condenser does a cannabis chiller use?

  • Is a cannabis chiller energy efficient?

  • Do you offer sales support?

  • How long does it take to get a cannabis chiller?


How does a cannabis chiller work?

An extraction cannabis chiller uses process cooling to remove heat from the cannabinoid extraction process. The primary components include an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and an expansion valve, each having a specialized role throughout the cooling process. A cannabis chiller allows you to extract THC, CBN, CBD, and other cannabinoids by providing tight temperature control of +/- 1°F to prevent denaturing and damage. Learn more about how chillers work on our website. 


What is the best chiller for cannabis extraction? 

The best chiller for cannabis extraction will have five essential features to ensure the best product quality and prevent damage during processing. These features include industrial-grade process cooling, extra-low fluid temperatures, tight temperature control, year-round performance, and a high uptime rate. Learn more about these essential cannabis chiller features on our blog


What cannabis extraction equipment should I invest in?

Most solvent-based cannabis extraction processes require a cannabis chiller, particulate filter, rotary evaporator, decarboxylation vessel, and a distillation system. Learn more about what to look for before investing in this equipment on our blog


What type of maintenance does a cannabis chiller need?

A routine preventative chiller maintenance schedule will help ensure your cannabis chiller operate reliably. Create a daily maintenance log and complete a quarterly and annual maintenance schedule based on the chiller manufacturer’s recommendations. You can learn more about maintaining a cannabis chiller on our blog.


What is the coldest fluid temperature you can provide?

Our cannabis chiller line accommodates the extra-low fluid temperatures required for maximum cannabinoid extraction, handling fluid temperatures as low as -40°F. Our extra-low temperature design options include features, such as: 

  • Evaporators and heat exchangers sized for cannabis process fluid

  • Liquid injection and compressor fans for compressor cooling

  • Oil management system for compressor protection

  • Electronic expansion valves (EEVs) for tight superheat control

  • Fluid temperature pull-down designs

Learn more about our low-temp cannabis chillers.


What is the difference between a chiller for a grow room and a chiller for extraction?

A chiller for a grow room is like a chiller for comfort cooling, providing fluid temperatures around 45°F. The extraction process requires much lower fluid temperatures, and therefore requires custom low-temperature cannabis chillers and potentially specialty heat transfer fluids. Learn more about cannabis chillers for grow rooms and extraction on our website


Are Drake cannabis chiller systems reliable?

Yes. Our cannabis chillers feature a long-lasting design and exceptional 99.4% uptime rate, helping to keep your cannabis extraction equipment running strong. We can help you customize your cannabis chiller with additional uptime-boosting options, such as an auto-changeover redundant pump that automatically switches over to the other pump if one fails. We also manufacture our systems using the highest quality components, including high-efficiency compressors, stainless steel reservoirs, and brazed plate evaporators to ensure your system lasts.


What type of compressor does a cannabis chiller use?

Our packaged cannabis chillers use two types of high-efficiency, low-temperature compressors: scroll and two-stage economized semi-hermetic. Both compressors have an oil management system available to boost reliability in extra-low temperatures, boosting your cannabis chiller performance. Learn more about the types of compressors in a cannabis chiller.


Is a cannabis chiller energy efficient?

We can customize your cannabis chiller with many high-efficiency options to help you conserve energy and maximize efficiency. These options include: 

  • EC condenser fan motors

  • Floating head pressure

  • Heat reclaim options for hot water loop

  • Pump variable frequency drive (VFD)


Do you offer sales support?

Yes, we stand behind our cannabis chiller systems with our exceptional after-the-sale technical support. Our experienced engineers can also provide troubleshooting and guidance for greater peace of mind.


How long does it take to get a cannabis chiller?

We have a robust line of custom-ready cannabis chiller systems, with many in stock and ready for quick shipment to meet your immediate cannabis processing needs.


Have we answered all your cannabis chiller questions? Contact us today for more information on our robust engineered cannabis chiller solutions for your cannabis extraction facility or grow room.