Tlyon TLY-500 Benchtop Supercritical CO₂ Extraction System

Overview

The Tlyon TLY-500 Benchtop Supercritical CO₂ Extraction System is an engineered solution for laboratory-scale isolation of thermolabile, non-polar, and moderately polar bioactive compounds from natural matrices. It operates on the principle of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), leveraging carbon dioxide above its critical point (31.1 °C, 73.8 bar) to achieve tunable solvent strength through precise modulation of pressure and temperature. Unlike conventional organic solvents, supercritical CO₂ exhibits gas-like diffusivity and liquid-like density—enabling rapid mass transfer, high selectivity, and residue-free recovery. The TLY-500 is purpose-built for academic research labs, botanical R&D centers, and early-stage process development teams requiring reproducible, scalable, and environmentally compliant extraction under controlled conditions.

Key Features

• Benchtop footprint (W × D × H ≈ 650 × 550 × 720 mm) optimized for standard fume hood integration or dedicated lab bench placement.
• 500 mL extraction column fabricated from electropolished 316L stainless steel with honed internal surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm) to minimize microbial adhesion and facilitate cleaning validation.
• Dual-channel architecture supports parallel or sequential extractions—ideal for method screening, comparative studies, or process optimization across raw material batches.
• Digital pressure regulation with closed-loop feedback control maintains setpoint stability within ±1.5 bar across full operating range (up to 345 bar).
• PID-controlled heating system ensures thermal uniformity ±0.3 °C in the extraction vessel and separator zones (0–80 °C range).
• Integrated CO₂ flow visualization module provides real-time observation of phase behavior during dynamic extraction cycles.
• Optional co-solvent delivery pump (max. 10 mL/min, compatible with ethanol, water, or low-concentration methanol) enables polarity tuning for enhanced recovery of glycosides, alkaloids, or polyphenols.
• Two-stage Falcon tube separation system includes primary collection at ambient pressure and secondary condensate trapping for volatile fraction retention.
• Independent mechanical rupture disc and electronic overpressure shutdown (OPSD) conform to PED 2014/68/EU safety directives for pressurized equipment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TLY-500 accommodates solid samples (e.g., dried, milled plant material, spent biomass, algae cakes) and liquid feedstocks (e.g., crude oil emulsions, fermentation broths, aqueous extracts) without pre-filtration. Its all-stainless-steel wetted path meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness requirements when paired with validated LIMS or ELN systems. Instrument logs—including pressure, temperature, CO₂ mass flow, elapsed time, and total consumption—are timestamped and exportable in CSV format for audit trails. The system supports IQ/OQ documentation packages aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and USP method verification frameworks. All contact surfaces comply with EC 1935/2004 for food-contact materials.

Software & Data Management

A 7-inch industrial touchscreen interface hosts a deterministic embedded OS with non-volatile parameter storage. Users define multi-step protocols—including preconditioning, static soaking, dynamic elution, depressurization ramping, and post-run purge—each with independent setpoints and duration limits. All operational parameters are logged at 1 Hz resolution. Data export supports direct USB transfer or network-based push to secure FTP/SFTP endpoints. Audit trail functionality records user login/logout events, parameter changes, and alarm acknowledgments—fully traceable per ALCOA+ principles. Optional API integration (RESTful JSON) allows synchronization with LabVantage, Thermo Fisher SampleManager, or custom MES platforms.

Applications

• Isolation of cannabinoids (e.g., CBD, CBG) from hemp biomass under GMP-adjacent conditions.
• Caffeine removal from green coffee beans and tea leaves for functional beverage development.
• Extraction of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) from fish oil or microalgal paste without oxidative degradation.
• Recovery of carotenoids (astaxanthin, lutein), chlorophyll derivatives, and anthocyanins from agricultural byproducts.
• Production of solvent-free cosmetic actives—such as rosemary diterpenes, gingerols, or licorice flavonoids—for clean-label formulations.
• Decontamination and sterilization of heat-sensitive medical devices via supercritical CO₂-assisted ethylene oxide displacement.
• Aerogel synthesis via CO₂-mediated solvent exchange and supercritical drying of silica or cellulose gels.
• Nicotine and tar reduction in tobacco processing for reduced-harm product R&D.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable sample loading volume in the 500 mL extraction column?
The column accommodates up to 300 g of dry, ground botanical material (bulk density ~0.6 g/mL) while maintaining optimal interstitial flow distribution and avoiding channeling.
Can the system operate with recycled CO₂?
Yes—the TLY-500 is compatible with external CO₂ recirculation loops equipped with inline moisture/oil traps and cryogenic condensers; system piping supports return-line integration at 1/4″ VCR ports.
Is validation support available for regulatory submissions?
Tlyon provides IQ/OQ templates, calibration certificates for pressure transducers and PT100 sensors, and material traceability documentation for all 316L components upon request.
How is cleaning verified between runs?
Residue testing follows ASTM D7687-21 guidelines using GC-FID analysis of ethanol flushes; visual inspection of honed column interior is supported by integrated borescope port.
Does the system meet CE marking requirements for use in EU laboratories?
Yes—the TLY-500 carries CE marking under Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and PED 2014/68/EU, with technical files available for notified body review.