Supercritical Extraction Systems

What is supercritical fluid extraction?

The extraction of biologically active substances and the production of extracts that best match the chemical composition of raw materials from plant and other natural sources is an essential element of the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and other industries. Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SKE) is at the forefront of innovative, environmentally friendly extraction technologies, using high pressure to achieve cost-effective, fast and complete extraction of raw materials. In recent years, the significant advantages of CSE compared to more energy-intensive traditional extraction methods using high temperatures and harmful solvents have led to the rapid spread and popularity of this technology.

The advantages of SKE include:

• The use of inexpensive, harmless, non-flammable CO2 as a solvent does not leave harmful chemical traces in products, since CO₂ easily evaporates when the pressure decreases. This makes the technology environmentally friendly and safe for humans and saves the manufacturer from expensive post-processing of the product.
• CO₂ is a safe and non-toxic extractant. Unlike traditional solvents (such as hexane, acetone), it is not harmful either to the extracted product or to the environment.
• A significant reduction in the extraction temperature due to increased pressure (up to 700 bar), which allows you to preserve thermolabile components such as vitamins.
• The complete absence of oxygen and light during extraction minimizes oxidative stress and photodegradation of sensitive components.
• The process parameters (temperature and pressure) can be precisely adjusted, which allows you to select and control which components will be extracted. This is especially important for obtaining products with high purity and minimal content of undesirable impurities.
• The extraction process can be carried out at relatively low temperatures, which is important for the preservation of heat-sensitive substances such as vitamins, essential oils, antioxidants. This minimizes the risk of destruction of the active components.
• Lower operating costs due to 95% efficient recycling of CO2 for reuse.
• The possibility of adding a solvent to CO2 to extract and/or separate insoluble or slightly soluble components.
• The possibility of designing equipment for special processes such as synthesis or drying of expensive mats

The goal of AltraFlora is to offer scientific research institutes and manufacturers modern CSE equipment of European quality at an affordable price and high—quality service. Discover our range of laboratory and industrial SFE systems and contact us today via the contact form, by phone/email or by filling out the SFE configuration questionnaire for more information. We also provide support services in our state-of-the-art analytical laboratory, helping you with process development and chemical analysis of your extracts. Some examples of supercritical extracts produced on SupereX equipment can be seen here.