All steps of supercritical CO2 extraction versatility and sustainability in a single process

Have you read about how the steps of supercritical CO2 extraction offer versatility and sustainability, and would you like to know how the entire process works? Are you fascinated by the world of extracting principles from plants and would you like to know every detail of the particular process of supercritical CO2 extraction? Or are you simply curious to know why the process of supercritical CO2 extraction is recognized as sustainable?

Here’s an article that will explain every detail of this extraction process!

Take a few minutes to read this article that we at Separeco, an all-Italian company specializing in the production of supercritical CO2 extraction machinery, have written to explain the advantages of choosing a supercritical CO2 extraction process, especially in terms of cost savings and environmental sustainability. Together, we’ll not only see what the most important phases of the extraction process are, but also how our machinery reduces processes to be used in many productive areas. If you’re interested in delving deeper into the topic, keep reading.

Enjoy your reading!

All the benefits of supercritical CO2 extraction processes

The processes of supercritical CO2 extraction occur under mild extraction conditions and low temperatures, making it possible to recover thermolabile substances, which are sensitive to heat and would be degraded and partially destroyed at high temperatures in other contexts.

Additionally, the use of high pressures ranging from 80 to 350 bar, but which can be increased further, allows for the modulation of solvent strength, making CO2 selective for certain substances over others. This characteristic potentially allows for the extraction of lipophilic extracts with a controlled or mitigated level of unwanted substances.

For example, if one desires to obtain an extract from lotus leaves while limiting the extraction of chlorophyll, which would impart a green or black color to the extract, the pressure can be limited to 240 bar. Small precautions like this in the process planning phase can completely eliminate lengthy and costly post-processing stages.

Typically, to separate chlorophyll, activated carbon filters are used by dissolving the extract in ethanol and subsequently filtering it. With CO2 extraction, it is possible to bypass this post-processing step, saving on the costs of purchasing ethanol and activated carbon filters, as well as the significant process costs associated with these purification stages and the disposal of ethanol and activated carbon filters, the latter being substantial. Lastly, but not least, 95% of the CO2 used in an extraction cycle is recompressed for reuse in the next process, thus avoiding significant carbon dioxide emissions.

Even this small amount can be easily recovered and reused (typically in industrial plants). Therefore, it can be stated that supercritical fluid extraction conducted with CO2 is a sustainable process.

With Separeco’s systems, the steps to proceed with extraction are indeed few and simple:

1. Loading the matrix into the extraction basket

2. Loading the basket into the extractor

3. Initiation of the extraction cycle

4. Collection of the extract

5. Depressurization and basket exchange

Supercritical fluid extraction processes, especially with supercritical CO2, can be highly versatile, capable of serving various purposes and activities. Within the realm of lipophilic extractions, CO2 stands unparalleled in effectiveness, especially in extracting from numerous matrices that are oily or rich in apolar substances. For example, it’s possible to conduct a chia oil production campaign and subsequently produce extracts of bitter orange essential oils, all using the same equipment after a thorough cleaning cycle. SC-CO2 is also versatile because it enables processes such as drying, cold pasteurization, and is even used in the production of innovative aerogels because it can easily and rapidly remove solvents used in synthesis. Lastly, in industrial applications, supercritical CO2 is employed in the production of certain polymers (plastics), which are suspended in a fluidized bed of liquid or supercritical CO2 before being pelletized or spun into virgin granules of polyolefins such as PE and PP, or PET

As you can see, the supercritical CO2 extraction process is an interesting choice in various sectors, as it not only provides safety and environmental sustainability but also delivers high-quality products. If you are a business owner looking to harness the full potential of the supercritical CO2 extraction process, contact us for consultation. Fill out the form below, and we will be happy to assist you in implementing the supercritical CO2 extraction process in your business sector.