OCO SuperC Small-Scale Supercritical CO₂ Extraction System
| Brand | OCO |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | SuperC |
| Max Temperature | 90 °C |
| Channels | 1–2 |
| Extraction Vessel Volume | 1 oz (29.6 mL) |
| Operating Pressure Range | 800–4500 psi |
| CO₂ Flow Rate | 0.01 L/min |
| Sample Capacity | 1–5 oz (29.6–148 mL) |
Overview
The OCO SuperC Small-Scale Supercritical CO₂ Extraction System is a compact, benchtop-grade supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) platform engineered for precision, repeatability, and operational simplicity in academic laboratories, analytical R&D centers, and small-batch botanical processing facilities. It leverages carbon dioxide in its supercritical state—achieved above its critical point of 31.1 °C and 1071 psi—as a tunable, non-toxic, and residue-free solvent. By independently controlling temperature (ambient to 90 °C) and pressure (800–4500 psi), the system enables selective fractionation of thermolabile compounds—including terpenes, flavonoids, cannabinoids, tocopherols, and essential oils—without thermal degradation or organic solvent carryover. Unlike conventional Soxhlet or steam distillation methods, supercritical CO₂ extraction offers adjustable solvation power via density modulation, allowing users to isolate target analytes by fine-tuning process parameters rather than relying on chemical selectivity alone.
Key Features
- Benchtop footprint (18.875″ W × 12.5″ D × 12.75″ H; 37 lb) with modular scalability—expandable from 1 oz (29.6 mL) to 4 oz (118 mL) extraction capacity via optional rack assembly
- Independent dual PID-controlled heating zones: one for extraction vessel, one for separator—ensuring precise thermal management across multi-stage fractionation workflows
- Digital LED pressure and temperature displays with real-time monitoring and manual setpoint adjustment
- Stainless-steel construction (316 SS) for all wetted parts, compliant with ASME B31.3 process piping standards for high-pressure fluid service
- Automated back-pressure regulation with fail-safe pressure relief valves rated to 5000 psi, meeting ANSI/ASME B16.34 requirements
- Integrated CO₂ mass flow control at 0.01 L/min resolution, supporting low-flow, high-efficiency extractions ideal for volatile compound preservation
- Continuous-duty 1000 W motor (220 V, 8.5 A, 1725 RPM) with sealed bearing design for uninterrupted operation over 90-minute standard cycles or extended 6–8 hour protocols
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SuperC accommodates solid, semi-solid, and powdered botanical matrices—including dried herbs, ground seeds, flower biomass, and encapsulated nutraceuticals—within its 1–5 oz working range. Its pressure and temperature envelope aligns with established SFE method development frameworks described in ASTM D7982–15 (Standard Guide for Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Botanicals) and ISO 14502-2:2005 (Determination of phenolic compounds). All instrumentation complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment. The system supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with external data loggers; while it does not natively implement FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature functionality, audit trails can be generated via timestamped operator logs and manual parameter recording per internal SOPs.
Software & Data Management
The SuperC operates via intuitive front-panel controls with no embedded software or proprietary firmware. All operational parameters—including setpoints, runtime duration, and observed pressure/temperature values—are manually recorded by the user. This architecture eliminates software validation overhead and ensures full traceability without dependency on vendor-specific platforms. For laboratories requiring digital data capture, analog output signals (0–5 V or 4–20 mA) are available upon request for integration with third-party SCADA or LIMS systems. Calibration certificates for pressure transducers and PT100 temperature sensors are provided with each unit, traceable to NIST standards.
Applications
- Rapid screening of botanical extracts for terpene profiling, cannabinoid isolation, and antioxidant recovery (e.g., vitamin E, carotenoids)
- Method development for GMP-aligned production processes prior to scale-up to pilot or industrial SFE systems
- Academic research in green chemistry, food science, and pharmaceutical formulation where solvent residue limits are strictly enforced (e.g., USP <467> residual solvents)
- Quality control of raw materials in nutraceutical and aromatherapy manufacturing, particularly where ethanol or hydrocarbon residues must be avoided
- Extraction optimization studies targeting specific molecular weight fractions—light volatiles (2500 psi, >49 °C)
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable operating pressure of the SuperC system?
The system is rated for continuous operation up to 4500 psi, with mechanical safety margins validated to 5000 psi per ASME BPVC Section VIII Div. 1.
Can the SuperC be used with solvents other than CO₂?
No—the system is specifically designed and validated for supercritical CO₂ only. Use of alternative fluids (e.g., N₂O, ethanol-modified CO₂) voids warranty and violates pressure boundary certification.
Is the 1 L collection vessel included standard?
Yes—a borosilicate glass 1 L separator vessel with stainless-steel inlet/outlet ports and septum-sealed sampling port is supplied as standard equipment.
Does the system require external cooling water or chiller integration?
No—heat dissipation is managed passively via finned aluminum heat sinks and ambient convection; no auxiliary cooling infrastructure is needed.
How often does the system require preventive maintenance?
Recommended maintenance includes quarterly inspection of O-rings, annual calibration of pressure transducers, and replacement of CO₂ inlet filters every 200 hours of cumulative runtime.
