Shimadzu SFE-40P Preparative Supercritical Fluid Extraction System
| Brand | Shimadzu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | SFE-40P |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Shimadzu SFE-40P Preparative Supercritical Fluid Extraction System is an engineered platform designed for scalable, reproducible, and method-controlled supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) at the preparative level. Operating primarily with carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the supercritical solvent—typically above its critical point of 31.1 °C and 7.38 MPa—the system leverages tunable solvent density and solvation power to selectively extract thermolabile, non-polar to moderately polar compounds from solid or semi-solid matrices. Unlike analytical-scale SFE instruments, the SFE-40P integrates process-oriented hardware architecture—including high-pressure stainless-steel extraction vessels, precision temperature-controlled heating jackets, and programmable pressure regulation—to support method development, process optimization, and gram-scale sample preparation in compliance with laboratory-scale Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and GLP workflows.
Key Features
- Independent temperature control for each extraction vessel (range: ambient to 150 °C, ±0.5 °C stability), enabling precise optimization of solute solubility and mass transfer kinetics.
- Dual-mode extraction protocol: programmable static extraction (soaking under constant pressure/temperature) followed by dynamic extraction (continuous CO₂ flow through the matrix), supporting both equilibrium-driven and kinetic-driven isolation strategies.
- Modular integration capability—operates as a standalone offline SFE workstation or couples directly with the Shimadzu Nexera UC Prep semi-preparative supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) system to form a fully automated SFE-SFC workflow.
- Optional auto-sampler interface with carousel-type rack changer (up to 48 positions), facilitating unattended sequential processing of heterogeneous sample batches without manual intervention.
- Robust pressure management architecture: dual-stage back-pressure regulation (up to 40 MPa), real-time pressure monitoring via digital transducers, and leak-tight fittings compliant with ASME B31.3 process piping standards.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SFE-40P accommodates a broad range of sample formats—including powdered botanicals, dried tissues, polymer composites, and formulated pharmaceutical tablets—within standard 10–100 mL stainless-steel extraction cells. Its design conforms to ISO 14001 environmental management principles through solvent recovery compatibility (integrated CO₂ recirculation loop optional), and supports audit-ready documentation when paired with Shimadzu LabSolutions software under FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant configurations. All wetted components meet ASTM A269 TP316L material specifications for corrosion resistance and extractables control. The system is validated for use in applications aligned with USP residual solvents testing and ISO 18381 (supercritical fluid extraction of food constituents).
Software & Data Management
Control and method execution are managed via Shimadzu LabSolutions SFE software, which provides intuitive graphical workflow configuration for multi-step extraction protocols (e.g., ramped pressure hold, gradient temperature profiles, segmented flow rates). The software logs all operational parameters—including real-time pressure, vessel temperature, CO₂ mass flow rate, and total solvent consumption—with timestamped, encrypted binary data files (.sfd). Audit trail functionality records user actions, method modifications, and system events, satisfying GLP traceability requirements. Export options include CSV, PDF report generation, and direct linkage to LIMS via ODBC drivers.
Applications
- Isolation of bioactive natural products (e.g., curcuminoids, caffeine, essential oils) from plant biomass without thermal degradation.
- Deprotection and purification of synthetic intermediates in fine chemical synthesis where conventional organic solvents pose safety or regulatory constraints.
- Residual solvent removal from pharmaceutical dosage forms prior to stability testing.
- Extraction of lipid fractions from microalgae or fish oil feedstocks for nutraceutical development.
- Preparative clean-up of environmental solid samples (e.g., soils, sediments) prior to GC-MS or LC-MS analysis per EPA Method 3561.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating pressure of the SFE-40P?
The system is rated for continuous operation up to 40 MPa (400 bar), with safety interlocks preventing exceedance of certified pressure limits.
Can the SFE-40P be used with co-solvents other than CO₂?
Yes—methanol, ethanol, and acetone may be introduced via Shimadzu’s optional modifier pump module (SFE-MP), supporting polarity tuning within defined concentration ranges (typically 1–15% v/v).
Is method transfer between SFE-40P and Nexera UC Prep validated?
Shimadzu provides documented method translation guidelines and system suitability protocols for seamless SFE-SFC coupling; full validation support is available under contract-based application assistance.
Does the system include CO₂ supply and cooling infrastructure?
No—liquid CO₂ supply (cylinder or bulk tank), chiller unit (for condenser cooling), and high-pressure gas booster are required ancillaries specified in the installation manual.
How is extract collection handled in offline mode?
Extracts are directed into chilled collection vessels (glass or stainless steel) maintained at subcritical conditions (typically −20 °C to 5 °C) to induce phase separation and solvent precipitation, with optional fraction collector integration for time- or pressure-triggered collection.
