Core Separations BenchTop Series Supercritical Fluid Extraction System
| Brand | Core Separations |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | BenchTop Series |
| Price Range | USD $65,000 – $105,000 (FOB) |
| Max Operating Temperature | 150 °C |
| Max System Pressure | 689 bar |
| CO₂ Mass Flow Rate | up to 15 g/min |
| Co-solvent Pump Pressure Rating | 689 bar |
| Extractor Vessel Volume | Standard 100 mL (configurable) |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±0.5 °C |
| Pressure Control Stability | ±2 bar |
Overview
The Core Separations BenchTop Series Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) System is an engineered bench-scale platform designed for method development, process optimization, and small-batch isolation of thermolabile, nonpolar, or moderately polar compounds using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) as the primary solvent. Based on fundamental principles of supercritical fluid thermodynamics—where CO₂ exhibits liquid-like solvating power and gas-like diffusivity above its critical point (31.1 °C, 73.8 bar)—this system enables selective, solvent-free extraction with tunable solvation strength via precise pressure and temperature modulation. Its compact footprint (≤0.8 m² floor space) allows safe integration into standard laboratory fume hoods or dedicated analytical workstations, without compromising the operational fidelity expected in pilot-scale SFE applications.
Key Features
- Robust stainless-steel construction compliant with ASME B31.3 process piping standards for high-pressure service up to 689 bar;
- Integrated refrigerated CO₂ pump with active cooling cavity, minimizing thermal drift during extended operation and ensuring stable mass flow delivery across the full 0–15 g/min range;
- Dual independent PID-controlled heating zones: one for the extraction vessel (0–150 °C, ±0.5 °C accuracy), another for the restrictor and collection path to prevent premature condensation;
- Cyclonic separator design enabling continuous phase separation under dynamic flow conditions, supporting both single-stage (one-extraction-one-separation) and multi-step fractionation workflows;
- Modular collection interface compatible with multiple post-separation configurations: direct solvent collection, liquid nitrogen-cooled traps (−196 °C), dry ice/acetone cold traps (−78 °C), and inline solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges;
- Co-solvent delivery module rated to 689 bar, permitting controlled introduction of polar modifiers (e.g., ethanol, methanol) at ≤10 mol% to enhance solubility of target analytes without compromising scCO₂’s environmental advantages.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The BenchTop SFE system accommodates solid matrices (plant biomass, spices, nutraceutical powders), semi-solids (oils, resins), and pre-packed columns (e.g., ground botanicals in stainless-steel cartridges). It supports ASTM D7924-15 (Standard Guide for Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Environmental Samples) and aligns with ISO 14040 lifecycle assessment principles due to near-zero solvent residue and negligible VOC emissions. All pressure-containing components are traceably certified to PED 2014/68/EU and carry CE marking. Optional audit-ready data logging complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated software packages.
Software & Data Management
Control is managed via a touchscreen HMI running embedded Linux-based firmware with real-time graphical display of pressure, temperature, flow rate, and elapsed time. Raw process data (sampled at 10 Hz) are exported in CSV or HDF5 format for downstream analysis in MATLAB, Python (Pandas), or ChemStation. Optional LabVIEW-compatible drivers enable integration into automated lab networks. Electronic logbooks support GLP/GMP-compliant record retention, including user authentication, change tracking, and digital signature validation for critical parameter adjustments.
Applications
- Natural product isolation: caffeine from green coffee beans, curcumin from turmeric, astaxanthin from Haematococcus algae;
- Pharmaceutical intermediate purification: removal of residual solvents from API crystallization batches;
- Food-grade decaffeination and spice oil recovery under GRAS-compliant conditions;
- Environmental remediation studies: PAH extraction from contaminated soils and sediments;
- Materials science: polymer impregnation, aerogel drying, and nanoparticle synthesis via rapid expansion of supercritical solutions (RESS).
FAQ
What safety certifications does the BenchTop SFE system meet?
It conforms to ASME B31.3, PED 2014/68/EU, and IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards. All high-pressure vessels undergo hydrostatic testing at 1.5× MAWP prior to shipment.
Can the system be used with solvents other than CO₂?
Yes—while optimized for CO₂, the platform supports alternative supercritical fluids (e.g., N₂O, ethane) provided compatible seals, pressure ratings, and thermodynamic property databases are verified per application.
Is remote monitoring supported?
Ethernet and RS-485 interfaces allow integration with building management systems (BMS) or centralized SCADA platforms; optional VPN-enabled web server permits secure off-site status viewing (no remote control without physical keyswitch engagement).
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
CO₂ pump lubrication every 500 operating hours; O-ring replacement in all high-pressure fittings every 12 months or after 200 cycles above 500 bar; annual calibration of pressure transducers and RTD sensors by accredited metrology labs.
Does the system support method transfer to larger production-scale SFE units?
Yes—process parameters (density, enthalpy, solute solubility) are scalable using dimensionless groups (e.g., Reynolds, Froude numbers) and validated thermodynamic models (Peng–Robinson EOS); Core Separations provides technical documentation packages for seamless scale-up consultation.
