SFT Supercritical Fluid Cleaning and Drying System
| Brand | SFT |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | SFT |
| Max. Temperature | 250 °C |
| Max. Pressure | 68.9 MPa |
| Extraction Volume Range | 5–1000 mL |
| Flow Control Resolution | 0.01 mL/min |
| Pressure Control Accuracy | ±1–2 psi |
| Pump Speed Range | 0–2500 rpm |
| CO₂ Pump Type | Electric Dual-Plunger |
| Cooling Method | Solid-State Electronic Refrigeration |
| Preheating | Integrated Fluid Preheat Ring |
| Vessel Options | 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500, 1000 mL (total system capacity ≤1000 mL) |
| Compliance | Designed for ASTM D7567, ISO 14852, USP <1225>, and GLP/GMP-aligned operation |
Overview
The SFT Supercritical Fluid Cleaning and Drying System is an engineered platform for precision solvent-free processing using carbon dioxide in its supercritical state (scCO₂). Operating above its critical point (31.1 °C, 7.38 MPa), scCO₂ exhibits tunable solvation power, near-zero surface tension, and high diffusivity—enabling residue-free cleaning of delicate microstructures (e.g., MEMS devices, optical components, pharmaceutical powders) and gentle, non-thermal drying of heat-sensitive biomaterials. Unlike conventional organic solvent-based methods, this system eliminates VOC emissions, thermal degradation risks, and post-processing solvent recovery steps. Its architecture integrates thermodynamic control with process reproducibility, supporting both batch-mode cleaning and continuous-flow drying protocols under fully automated, audit-ready conditions.
Key Features
- Electric dual-plunger CO₂ pump with proprietary “slow-intake/fast-delivery” fluid dynamics—ensuring stable delivery across pressure ranges up to 68.9 MPa without pulsation or cavitation.
- Solid-state electronic refrigeration maintains pump head temperature below −4 °C, eliminating dependency on external chillers or compressed air systems—reducing footprint and operational variability.
- Independent triple-zone temperature control: reactor vessel (up to 250 °C), dynamic/static valves, and preheat ring—enabling precise thermal management of fluid phase behavior and solute solubility.
- High-resolution flow control with 0.01 mL/min setpoint increments; pressure regulation accuracy maintained within ±1–2 psi during constant-pressure operation.
- Modular vessel configuration: nine standardized volumes (5–1000 mL) allow scalable process development—from analytical screening to pilot-scale validation—while maintaining total system volume ≤1000 mL per run.
- Integrated safety architecture includes rupture disk protection, pressure-relief valve, audible/visual alarm system, and emergency depressurization circuit compliant with ASME B31.3 and PED 2014/68/EU.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The system accommodates solid, porous, and particulate samples—including botanical matrices (e.g., herbal extracts, essential oil precursors), polymer scaffolds, semiconductor wafers, and lyophilized biologics. Its inert scCO₂ environment preserves labile functional groups and avoids oxidative degradation. Regulatory alignment includes design provisions for 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records (via optional software package), traceable calibration logs, and audit trails for temperature, pressure, and mass flow parameters. Instrument qualification follows IQ/OQ/PQ protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and ASTM E2500-14. All wetted materials meet USP Class VI biocompatibility standards; stainless-steel 316L construction ensures corrosion resistance against CO₂-derived carbonic acid.
Software & Data Management
The embedded controller provides real-time visualization of all critical process variables via a 10.1″ capacitive touchscreen interface. Data logging occurs at 1 Hz resolution with timestamped CSV export capability. Optional SFT ProcessSuite™ software enables remote monitoring, method library management, multi-step sequence programming (e.g., pressure ramping, co-solvent injection timing), and automated report generation compliant with GLP documentation requirements. Audit trail functionality records user actions, parameter changes, and system events—supporting FDA inspection readiness and internal quality audits.
Applications
- Cleaning of MEMS/NEMS devices prior to packaging—removing photoresist residues without stiction or structural damage.
- Decontamination of medical implants and surgical tools using sterilizing-grade scCO₂ cycles (validated per ISO 14937).
- Extraction and simultaneous drying of phytochemicals from plant matrices—retaining thermolabile terpenes and polyphenols while minimizing chlorophyll co-extraction.
- Preparation of aerogels and nanostructured ceramics via scCO₂ drying—preserving pore morphology and specific surface area (>800 m²/g).
- Residue removal from additive-manufactured metal parts—eliminating trapped support material without dimensional distortion.
FAQ
What CO₂ purity is required for optimal system performance?
Typically ≥99.995% (Grade 5.0) CO₂ is recommended for pharmaceutical and analytical applications to prevent trace moisture or hydrocarbon interference with solvation efficiency.
Can the system operate with co-solvents?
Yes—integrated co-solvent injection modules (optional) support controlled addition of ethanol, methanol, or acetone up to 15% v/v, expanding polarity range for polar analyte extraction.
Is explosion-proof certification available?
Standard configurations meet Class I, Division 2, Group B/C/D hazardous location requirements per NEC Article 500; ATEX Zone 2 certification is available upon request.
How is system validation performed?
SFT provides full IQ/OQ documentation packages, including as-installed drawings, sensor calibration certificates (NIST-traceable), and performance verification tests for temperature uniformity, pressure hold integrity, and flow linearity.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Quarterly inspection of O-rings and valve seals; annual recalibration of pressure transducers and temperature sensors; pump lubrication every 2000 operating hours—detailed in the GLP-compliant maintenance logbook supplied with each unit.
