Supercritical Fluid Extraction SFE

Supercritical fluid extraction processing shows numerous advantages when compared to traditional organic solvent extraction. In traditional extraction, for example, the residual solvent is unavoidable. In supercritical fluid extraction, however, there is no residual solvent in the final product. This translates into lower operating costs because of the reduction in post–processing steps, clean–up and safety measurements. Additionally, because CO₂ processing requires low temperatures, there is less deterioration of heat sensitive components in the extract. Furthermore, since there is no oxygen in the process, the potential for oxidation of the extract is significantly minimized.

Thar Instruments is a designer, developer, and manufacturer of solvent–free pilot ⁄ lab–scale supercritical fluid extraction systems. The laboratory supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) system scale models start from 100 mL up to 10 L. Models can include co–solvent pump, fractionation and recycling.