Core Separations Counter Current Supercritical Fluid Extraction System
| Brand | Core Separations |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Counter Curren |
| Price Range | USD 210,000 – 280,000 |
Overview
The Core Separations Counter Curren Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) System is an engineered continuous liquid–liquid partitioning platform based on countercurrent distribution principles, optimized for supercritical and subcritical fluid media—primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂). Unlike batch or single-stage extraction methods, this system implements a multi-stage, gravity-driven countercurrent flow architecture where the mobile phase (supercritical CO₂) and stationary phase (liquid modifier or immobilized solvent matrix) move in opposing directions through a vertically oriented, modular column train. This configuration maximizes theoretical plate efficiency and mass transfer kinetics, enabling high-resolution fractionation of thermolabile, nonpolar, and moderately polar compounds—including cannabinoids, terpenes, lipids, alkaloids, and natural pigments—without thermal degradation. The system operates within standard SFE pressure–temperature windows (typically 75–400 bar, 31–80 °C), with precise control over density-tuned solvent strength via CO₂ compressibility modulation.
Key Features
- Modular column design with interchangeable heated zones—each independently controlled (±0.1 °C) to accommodate multi-temperature gradient extraction protocols
- Integrated high-pressure CO₂ delivery subsystem with dual-stage refrigerated chiller, precision back-pressure regulator (BPR), and mass flow controller (MFC) compliant with ISO 17025 calibration traceability
- Automated solvent modifier injection (e.g., ethanol, methanol) with programmable volumetric dosing (0.1–10 mL/min, ±0.5% repeatability)
- Corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel wetted parts rated to 450 bar maximum working pressure; ASME B31.3 process piping compliance
- Real-time monitoring of critical process parameters: column inlet/outlet pressure, temperature profiles, CO₂ mass flow rate, and modifier ratio via embedded HART-enabled transmitters
- CE-marked electrical architecture with integrated emergency shutdown (ESD) logic per IEC 61511 SIL 2 requirements
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Counter Curren system supports solid matrices (dried botanicals, spent biomass, algae cakes) and semi-solid suspensions (paste-like extracts, resinous fractions) with particle size ≤ 2 mm. It accommodates co-solvent ratios up to 15% (v/v) and handles feed loads from 50 g to 5 kg per run, scalable via column diameter selection (25–100 mm ID). All operational protocols align with ASTM D7951-20 (Standard Guide for Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Natural Products), ISO 22945-2:2021 (Foodstuffs—Extraction with Supercritical Fluids—Part 2: General Principles), and USP residual solvent classification guidelines. System validation documentation includes IQ/OQ/PQ templates compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record and signature requirements, supporting GLP and GMP-regulated environments.
Software & Data Management
Control and data acquisition are managed through CoreView™ v4.2 software—a Windows-based SCADA interface compliant with ISA-88 and ISA-95 standards. The platform provides closed-loop PID control of all critical setpoints, automated method sequencing, and audit-trail-enabled event logging (user actions, parameter changes, alarms) retained for ≥36 months. Raw sensor data (pressure, temperature, flow) are timestamped at 10 Hz and exported in CSV/ASCII format; chromatographic-style elution profiles can be generated via post-acquisition integration using optional ChemStation-compatible modules. Cybersecurity conforms to NIST SP 800-82 Rev. 2 for industrial control systems, including TLS 1.2 encryption and role-based access control (RBAC) with LDAP/Active Directory integration.
Applications
- Selective decaffeination of green coffee beans while preserving chlorogenic acids and trigonelline
- Full-spectrum cannabinoid isolation from hemp biomass with concurrent terpene retention
- Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from edible oils without altering tocopherol content
- GMP-compliant extraction of paclitaxel precursors from Taxus cell cultures
- Recovery of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae with >92% pigment integrity (measured by HPLC-DAD)
- Process development for pharmaceutical impurity removal prior to crystallization steps
FAQ
What solvents are compatible with the Counter Curren system besides CO₂?
Ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, and water–ethanol mixtures are validated as co-solvents; chlorinated or highly acidic solvents are excluded due to material compatibility constraints.
Can the system be integrated into an existing pilot-scale downstream purification line?
Yes—standard 1/2″ and 3/4″ VCR and Swagelok ports enable direct coupling to centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) or short-path distillation units; API 6A flange adapters available upon request.
Is remote diagnostics supported?
CoreView™ includes secure remote access via encrypted VPN tunnel; firmware updates and parameter diagnostics are performed under signed certificate authority (CA) verification.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for high-throughput operation?
Daily: visual inspection of O-rings and pressure relief valves; quarterly: BPR recalibration and chiller refrigerant charge verification; annual: full column packing assessment and MFC recalibration per ISO/IEC 17025.
