Core Separations Bench Top Series Supercritical Fluid Extractor
| Brand | Core Separations |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Bench Top Series |
| Price Range | USD 70,000 – 140,000 |
| Max Temperature | 150 °C |
| Max Pressure | 689 bar |
| CO₂ Mass Flow Rate | 15 g/min |
| Co-solvent Pump Pressure | 689 bar |
| Separation Method | Cyclonic Separation |
| Collection Options | Solvent Trap, Liquid Cryo-Trap, Solid-Phase Extraction Cartridge |
Overview
The Core Separations Bench Top Series Supercritical Fluid Extractor is a compact, bench-scale system engineered for rigorous research and method development in supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and fractionation. It operates on the fundamental principle of supercritical fluid chromatography and extraction—leveraging carbon dioxide (CO₂) above its critical point (31.1 °C, 73.8 bar) to achieve tunable solvent strength, low viscosity, high diffusivity, and complete solvent removal post-extraction. Designed for laboratories with space constraints—including fume hoods and standard lab benches—the system delivers full-scale SFE functionality without compromise. Its architecture supports both static and dynamic extraction modes, precise temperature–pressure–flow coupling, and real-time process monitoring—all essential for reproducible method transfer to pilot- or production-scale systems.
Key Features
- Compact footprint (< 0.8 m²) enabling installation in standard laboratory fume hoods or on reinforced workbenches
- Integrated adaptive pressure control (APC) ensuring stable supercritical phase conditions across wide operating ranges (up to 689 bar)
- Precision temperature control (±0.3 °C) of extraction vessel and separator zones, with direct in-vessel thermocouple feedback
- High-efficiency cooled CO₂ pump with active thermal management to minimize gas heating and maintain consistent mass flow (0.1–15 g/min)
- Cyclonic separation module enabling rapid phase disengagement and minimizing carryover between extraction and collection stages
- Dual-pump configuration: primary CO₂ pump + independent co-solvent (modifier) pump, both rated to 689 bar for precise entrainer dosing (e.g., ethanol, methanol, water)
- Modular collection interface supporting multiple receiver types: ambient solvent traps, liquid nitrogen-cooled cryo-traps (−196 °C), and SPE cartridges with integrated back-pressure regulation
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Bench Top Series accommodates solid, semi-solid, and powdered matrices—including botanicals, foodstuffs, polymers, pharmaceutical intermediates, and environmental samples—without pre-grinding beyond standard particle size reduction (typically < 500 µm). All wetted parts are constructed from electropolished 316L stainless steel and Hastelloy C-276 where required, ensuring compatibility with CO₂, polar modifiers, and acidic/basic extracts. The system complies with ASME B31.3 process piping standards for high-pressure equipment and meets CE/UKCA requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low-voltage directive (LVD). For regulated environments, optional audit-trail-enabled software modules support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, including electronic signatures, user access tiers, and immutable data logs aligned with GLP and GMP documentation practices.
Software & Data Management
Control and data acquisition are managed via Core Separations’ proprietary SFX software platform—identical to that used on industrial-scale SFX systems—ensuring seamless scalability from discovery to process validation. The software provides real-time visualization of pressure, temperature, flow rate, and cumulative mass; automated method sequencing with up to 99-step protocols; and export of time-stamped CSV/Excel files compatible with LIMS integration. All operational parameters are logged at ≥1 Hz resolution, with metadata tagging for sample ID, operator, date/time, and instrument configuration. Optional cloud-based remote monitoring enables secure off-site review of ongoing extractions, while local database encryption ensures data integrity per ISO/IEC 27001 guidelines.
Applications
- Decaffeination and essential oil isolation from coffee, tea, and aromatic herbs (ASTM D7217, ISO 11023)
- Extraction of cannabinoids (CBD, THC) and terpenes from hemp biomass under GMP-aligned workflows
- Removal of residual solvents and monomers from polymer synthesis intermediates
- Preparative purification of heat-labile natural products (e.g., flavonoids, alkaloids) without thermal degradation
- Development of green chemistry alternatives to chlorinated or hydrocarbon-based extraction solvents
- Method scouting for analytical SFC (supercritical fluid chromatography) mobile phase optimization
FAQ
What safety certifications does the Bench Top Series hold?
The system carries CE marking per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU. High-pressure components are certified to ASME Section VIII Div. 1 and undergo hydrostatic testing at 1.5× maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP).
Can the system be integrated with existing lab infrastructure (e.g., GC-MS, FTIR)?
Yes—standard 4–20 mA analog outputs and Modbus TCP/IP communication enable direct interfacing with third-party analyzers and building management systems (BMS) for synchronized data capture and alarm triggering.
Is training and technical support included with purchase?
Core Separations provides on-site installation qualification (IQ), operator training (8 hours), and remote application support for 12 months. Extended service contracts include preventive maintenance, calibration traceability to NIST standards, and firmware updates.
