Supercritical CO₂ extraction is a sustainable method for separating and extracting natural chemical components from plants, seeds, and other biomass. This versatile and selective process is non-toxic and non-destructive, preserving the flavor and active components of the raw materials.
Environmentally friendly, our process uses biogenic CO₂, which is recovered as a by-product of other industrial processes. Additionally, it generates no toxic waste, providing an eco-friendly and efficient extraction solution.
The CO₂ extraction process is structured into three key steps: CO₂ storage and pumping, the actual extraction, and the separation of extracts.
HOW IT WORKS
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The process begins by loading the raw material into the extraction vessel.
Extraction
Under high pressure and at ambient temperature, CO₂ acts as a solvent to extract the active principles from the biomass.
Separation
After extraction, the CO₂ and extract mixture enters a separation phase where pressure and temperature are adjusted to completely dissociate the CO₂ from the extracts. A significant portion of the CO₂ is recycled for reuse in the process, ensuring maximum efficiency and a reduced ecological footprint. The final extracts, free of any residual solvent, retain the characteristics of the original plant material.
Depending on the nature of the raw material, proper preparation is crucial to maximize extraction efficiency and obtain the desired actives. For the extract, an additional purification process can be conducted in our post-extraction area before the final product is packaged.
ADVANTAGES
- High purity
- Non-toxic
- Odorless, colorless
- Preserves the native quality of raw materials
- Chemically inert
- Non-flammable
- No residual solvent
- Low extraction temperature
- Biocidal properties
- Non-polar and selective solvent
- Inexpensive, pure solvent
- Solvent power modification by adding a co-solvent