SFT SFT-110XW Supercritical Fluid Extraction System

Overview

The SFT SFT-110XW Supercritical Fluid Extraction System is a fully automated, benchtop-scale supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) platform engineered for method development, process optimization, and feasibility assessment of supercritical CO₂-based separation workflows in academic, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and materials research laboratories. Operating on the fundamental principle of supercritical fluid thermodynamics—where carbon dioxide is pressurized above its critical point (31.1 °C, 1,070 psi) to achieve liquid-like density and gas-like diffusivity—the system enables selective, solvent-free, and thermally gentle extraction of target analytes from complex solid or semi-solid matrices. Its modular architecture supports both parallel (up to four independent vessels) and serial (e.g., extraction–fractionation) configurations, allowing users to replicate pilot-scale cascaded separation strategies under precisely controlled temperature, pressure, flow, and residence time conditions.

Key Features

• High-integrity dual-head high-pressure pump with sapphire pistons, Furon® seals, and stepper-motor-driven cam actuation—designed for continuous pressure mode operation with automatic flow compensation to maintain setpoint stability.
• PID-controlled temperature regulation across all thermal zones (extraction vessel, preheater, back-pressure regulator, and condenser), with ±0.5 °C accuracy over a 20–200 °C range.
• Robust pressure management: integrated high/low-pressure alarms, rupture disc protection, and a heated back-pressure regulator (up to 150 °C) with mechanical interlock for safe depressurization.
• Modular extractor vessels (10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, and 1000 mL) fabricated from ASTM A276 316 stainless steel, rated to 10,000 psi and compatible with rapid exchange and cleaning protocols.
• Onboard electronic refrigeration unit (−10 °C, 150 W cooling capacity) eliminates reliance on external cryogenic gases (e.g., helium) for CO₂ liquefaction and ensures stable subcritical phase control during collection.
• Optional co-solvent delivery module (0.01–10 mL/min, 8,000 psi max) with front-panel manual interface for precise modifier addition—enabling polarity tuning of supercritical CO₂ for enhanced solubility of polar compounds.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SFT-110XW accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types—including botanicals, spices, algae, polymers, spent catalysts, and pharmaceutical intermediates—without degradation from organic solvent residues or thermal stress. Vessel design complies with ASME B31.3 process piping standards for high-pressure service, and all wetted components meet USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements. The system supports GLP-compliant documentation through optional audit-trail-enabled software (see Software & Data Management). While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its hardware architecture—including deterministic pressure/temperature logging, non-volatile parameter storage, and hardware-enforced interlocks—provides the foundational traceability required for GMP-aligned validation protocols per ICH Q5C and ISO 17025.

Software & Data Management

Operation is managed via an intuitive front-panel interface with dedicated LED displays for real-time monitoring of pressure (psi), temperature (°C), flow rate (mL/min), and elapsed run time. All critical process parameters are logged internally at user-configurable intervals (1–60 s) and exportable via USB to CSV format for post-run analysis in MATLAB, Python, or LIMS environments. Optional SFT ControlSuite™ software provides remote operation, multi-vessel scheduling, recipe-based method storage, and automated report generation—including compliance-ready metadata (operator ID, timestamp, calibration status, and deviation flags). Data integrity safeguards include write-protected log files, timestamped parameter changes, and password-protected configuration access—facilitating alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 expectations where electronic records are subject to regulatory review.

Applications

• Phytochemical isolation: selective decaffeination, essential oil recovery, and cannabinoid fractionation from hemp biomass.
• Pharmaceutical purification: removal of residual solvents from APIs, lipid nanoparticle formulation support, and excipient-free active ingredient enrichment.
• Environmental analysis: extraction of PAHs, PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides from soil/sediment without Soxhlet-associated matrix interference.
• Food science R&D: cholesterol reduction in egg yolk, hop oil concentration for brewing, and antioxidant recovery from spent coffee grounds.
• Materials science: polymer impurity profiling, catalyst residue removal from nanomaterials, and green synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).

FAQ

What safety certifications does the SFT-110XW hold?

The system conforms to UL 61010-1 (2nd Ed.) and CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment, with CE marking for EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.
Can the system be validated for GMP production use?

While designed for R&D and pilot-scale development, the SFT-110XW’s deterministic control architecture, hardware interlocks, and data logging capability support IQ/OQ/PQ execution per ASTM E2500 and ISPE Baseline Guide Vol. 5.
Is CO₂ recycling supported?

The base configuration operates in once-through mode; however, third-party CO₂ recirculation modules (with inline moisture/oil traps and recompression stages) can be integrated via standardized 1/4″ VCR ports.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?

Furon® seals require replacement every 500 operational hours or annually—whichever occurs first; sapphire pistons and pressure transducers are rated for ≥10,000 cycles with routine calibration every 6 months.
Does the system support fractional collection?

Yes—via programmable back-pressure stepping or external fraction collector triggering using TTL output signals synchronized to pressure/temperature events.