SFT SFT-PM-II Variable-Volume Miniature Supercritical Fluid Extractor

Overview

The SFT SFT-PM-II Variable-Volume Miniature Supercritical Fluid Extractor is a precision-engineered benchtop system designed for laboratory-scale supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the primary solvent. It operates on the principle of supercritical fluid thermodynamics—leveraging CO₂ above its critical point (31.1 °C, 7.38 MPa) to achieve tunable solvation power, low viscosity, and high diffusivity. This enables selective, residue-free extraction of thermolabile and non-polar compounds from complex matrices without organic solvent residues. The system’s modular architecture supports single- or multi-vessel configurations (1–5 parallel vessels), with each extraction vessel featuring a fully adjustable internal volume (3–30 mL), allowing precise scalability from method development to small-batch optimization. Its maximum operating pressure of 68.9 MPa (10,000 psi) and temperature range up to 250 °C (300 °C available on request) accommodate a broad spectrum of analytes—from volatile essential oils to high-molecular-weight lipids and polyphenols—while maintaining strict thermal and pressure stability via dual PID-controlled heating and real-time digital monitoring.

Key Features

• Variable-volume extraction vessel (3–30 mL) with precision-machined, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel construction and integrated sealing geometry for repeatable volumetric calibration.
• Integrated pre-heating unit upstream of the extraction vessel ensures rapid, uniform thermal equilibration—minimizing thermal lag and suppressing unwanted degradation or side reactions during dynamic extraction.
• SFT-10 high-pressure CO₂ pump with alloy pump head, Peltier-based electronic cooling (maintains pump head ≤ −4 °C), and continuous pressure-mode operation; eliminates need for external chiller or water bath.
• Advanced flow control architecture: T-type check valve design enabling zero-pressure drift at 0 psi; flow regulation in 0.1 mL/min increments; ±2% full-scale accuracy across 0–25.0 mL/min liquid CO₂ range.
• Dual independent LED digital displays for real-time monitoring of temperature (±0.5 °C accuracy) and pressure (with upper/lower alarm thresholds and mechanical burst disc rated at 11,500 psi).
• Microprocessor-based controller with embedded logic for pressure hold, flow ramping, temperature profiling, and automated safety interlocks—including high/low pressure alarms (PAH/PAL) and overtemperature cutoff.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SFT-PM-II accommodates solid, semi-solid, and powdered samples within the 1–10 g mass range, including botanicals, pharmaceutical powders, soil extracts, food matrices (e.g., coffee, spices), and polymer additives. Its compact, sealed fluid path—comprising electropolished 316 stainless steel tubing, stainless-steel filters, and metal-seated valves—ensures compatibility with CO₂, CO₂–co-solvent mixtures (e.g., ethanol, methanol), and inert carrier gases. The system adheres to fundamental design principles aligned with ASTM D7675 (Standard Practice for Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Soil), ISO 14501 (Foodstuffs — Determination of Residues), and USP (Residual Solvents). All pressure-containing components conform to ASME B31.3 process piping standards, and the control firmware supports audit-trail-ready operation under GLP/GMP environments when paired with validated data acquisition software.

Software & Data Management

While the SFT-PM-II operates autonomously via its front-panel interface, it includes RS-232 and optional Ethernet connectivity for integration with third-party SCADA or LIMS platforms. Raw temperature, pressure, flow, and time-stamped event logs can be exported in CSV format for post-run analysis. When used with SFT’s optional Extraction Control Suite (ECS), users gain access to protocol scripting, multi-step gradient programming (pressure ramps, temperature holds, flow sweeps), and electronic signature support compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including user authentication, change tracking, and immutable audit trails. All system parameters are stored in non-volatile memory, ensuring reproducibility across sessions and operators.

Applications

• Method development and optimization of SFE protocols for nutraceuticals (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol, omega-3 fatty acids) prior to scale-up.
• Rapid screening of pesticide residues, PAHs, and PCBs in environmental soil and sediment samples per EPA Method 3561.
• Decaffeination and essential oil isolation from plant biomass with minimal thermal stress and no chlorinated solvent use.
• Extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients from lyophilized formulations for purity assessment and impurity profiling.
• Removal of residual monomers and initiators from biomedical polymers (e.g., PLGA, PCL) prior to in vitro cytotoxicity testing.
• Green chemistry research supporting solvent substitution initiatives aligned with ICH Q5C and OECD TG 117 guidelines.

FAQ

What is the minimum and maximum extractable sample mass?
The system is optimized for 1–10 g of solid or semi-solid material per extraction vessel.
Can the SFT-PM-II operate with co-solvents other than CO₂?
Yes—it supports binary and ternary supercritical mixtures, including CO₂–ethanol, CO₂–methanol, and CO₂–acetone, via externally mounted co-solvent delivery modules (optional accessories).
Is the 300 °C temperature option factory-installed or field-upgradable?
The 300 °C configuration requires reinforced heater cartridges, upgraded vessel gasketing (Inconel-based), and recalibrated PID tuning—available only as a factory-configured option at time of order.
Does the system include validation documentation for regulated laboratories?
IQ/OQ documentation packages are available upon request; PQ execution requires user-defined test protocols aligned with internal SOPs and applicable regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025).
How is system cleanliness maintained between extractions?
The fluid path is fully drainable and compatible with CO₂ flush cycles; all wetted surfaces are autoclavable or solvent-rinsable, and the vessel interior permits manual wipe-down with IPA or acetone following depressurization.