The gravimetric separator is the first separator (S1). It applies the gravimetric effect to separate the extract in fractions. This separator is heated at a set-point temperature.

Automation is a generic term, and all systems can be described as “automatic” in some way. We believe automation is more than just simple control over pressure, flow and temperature settings. Our Adaptive Automation process is a new hardware/software system that is able to change the extraction cycle in real time as requested by the operator.

The Coriolis flow meter is basically a mass flow meter. It gives you exactly the mass of CO2 is delivered by the membrane pump and is essential for proper feedback and control over the CO2 flow in the circuit.

CO2 isn’t a liquid at normal room temperature and pressure. It is a gas. When temperature and pressure are increased over the critical point, we have supercritical fluid. The CO2 is at the same time a liquid and a gas at every point along the Equilibrium Curve.

The cleaning procedure is an important practice: it has the same importance as the extraction process. Any extraction system needs to be cleaned periodically: this period depends on many factors, including the type, quality and pre-treatment of raw materials, use of a co-solvent, and the number of extractions between cleanings.

Traditional technologies in many cases do not offer a satisfactory solution to a specific problem. Furthermore, there is a continuous search to reduce production costs. Pilot scale studies may show that, despite initial high capital costs, operating costs would be lower and the overall feasibility can be proven at certain scale of operation.

We say that a liquid is in equilibrium with its gas when the same mass is exchanged from the gas to liquid and from liquid to gas. This happens continuously, and this point is strongly dependent on pressure and temperature. Any change in temperature produces a change in the pressure.

Supercritical carbon dioxide isn’t just an efficient solvent for apolar compounds. In fact, if it’s combined with fluid modifiers like water, it becomes a very efficient solvent for medium polar and polar substances (caffeine for coffee decaffeination). The extraction efficiency is better than conventional technologies based on chemical solvents.

The Supercritical CO2 extraction process is “geometrically variable.” A supercritical fluid is any compound at a temperature and pressure above its Critical Point. It can diffuse through solids like a gas, and it can dissolve materials like a liquid. For any pure compound, there is a transition state called “critical” state: for temperatures below the critical temperature (Tc), two phases — liquid and vapor — coexist; for temperatures above Tc, there is only one phase: supercritical fluid.

After the extraction process, the mixture composed of CO2 and solutes leaves the extraction vessel(s) and it is directed to the separation vessels. By varying the pressure, flow and temperature of these vessels, it is possible to induce the selective precipitation of different chemical compounds as a function of their different saturation conditions in the supercritical fluid.