Supercritical Extraction Systems

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

1.  The use of inexpensive, harmless, non-flammable CO₂ as a solvent, which guarantees food-safe extracts without any solvent residues, freeing the company from expensive post-processing.
2.  Significant reduction of extraction temperature due to increased pressure (up to 700 bar), which allows preserving heat-labile components such as vitamins.
3.  The complete absence of oxygen and light during extraction minimizes oxidative stress and photodegradation of sensitive components.
4.  Selective extraction and fractionation of target chemical components through flexible control of extraction pressure and temperature (among other parameters).
5.  Lower operating costs due to approx. 95% efficient recycling of CO₂ for reuse.
6.  Possibility of adding a co-solvent to CO₂ for the extraction and/or separation of insoluble or poorly soluble components.
7.  Possibility of designing equipment for special processes, such as synthesis or drying of expensive materials, due to the relatively wide range of applications of supercritical fluids.