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Supercritical CO2 extraction
SC-extraction:
CO2 is compressed beyond its supercritical point (31°C 74bar)
where it obtains substantial solvent power. The sc-fluid is
brought in contact with biological material in an extraction
vessel. Due to its gas-like viscosity, CO2 penetrates into the
smallest pores of the starting-material. In a separate vessel
CO2 is de-pressurized and substances of interest are efficiently
collected.
Features and benefits:
Offers a good alternative to traditional extraction
techniques:
- Complete solvent replacement, leaving no traces of organic solvents in product
- CO2 considerably lowers micro-biological activity.
- Facilitated product registration for pharmacists.
- High recoveries, up-scalable.
SC-fractionation:
CO2 is compressed beyond its supercritical point (31°C 74bar)
where it obtains high mass transfer rates. In a counter current
column, a fluid is sprayed over packing material and supercritical
CO2 flows perpendicular to the liquid. Mass transfer of compounds
between the two phases leads to a gradient of separated products.
Features and benefits:
Offers a strong alternative to fractional- or molecular distillation techniques:
- No thermal degradation because of low processing temperatures.
- Easy discharge of volatile toxins.
Offers an alternative to preperative liquid chromatography:
- Minimalized emission of organic solvents (no column regeneration).
- CO2 is chemically inert, no by-products being formed.
- Batch-wise and continuous processing possible.
SC-drying:
CO2 is compressed beyond its supercritical point (31°C 74bar)
where it obtains considerable water uptake capacity. CO2 is
passed through the material to be dried. Due to its gas-like
viscosity, CO2 penetrates into the smallest pores. Serving as
a carrier CO2 delivers the water to a zeolite and re-enters
the drying process
Offers a strong alternative to freeze drying:
- Water uptake capacity is 1500 times higher than during sublimation processes.
- Less time consuming, energy efficient.
offers a fair alternative to spray drying:
- Water uptake capacity is 30 times higher than air.
- No thermal degradation because of low processing temperatures.
- No oxidation (because of inert atmosphere).
For supercritical extractions of biological materials we developed
our own production scale extraction facility to work under GMP
conditions. |
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