Supercritical CO2 Extraction System — Pharmaceutical, Food & Material Processing
Xi'an Bioland Instrument Co., Ltd. (est. 2009) engineers supercritical CO2 extraction systems for pharmaceutical, food, and advanced materials applications. Operating above CO2's critical point (31.1°C / 73.8 bar), the system uses CO2 as a tunable, residue-free solvent to isolate bioactive compounds, oils, and flavors at medical-grade purity. With a 50 MPa pressure rating, triple overpressure protection, PLC automation, and CE/ISO 9001/UL/SGS certifications, it is built for regulated production environments. OEM/ODM customization and GMP-compliant design are standard.

Why This System Performs Differently
Triple overpressure protection with safety interlock clamp
The quick-release vessel closure allows safe, fast batch turnaround. Three independent pressure relief stages — burst disc, safety valve, and PLC interlock — prevent overpressure events before they reach the vessel wall.
Independent modifier pump for polar compound extraction
Pure CO2 is non-polar. The integrated co-solvent pump injects ethanol or water directly into the CO2 stream, enabling extraction of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and other polar targets — no system modification required between runs.
Configurable single, double, or three-stage separation
Each separator stage operates at a distinct pressure-temperature setpoint, allowing sequential fractionation in a single run. This is particularly effective for isolating CBD from hemp while separating waxes and chlorophyll into separate collector vessels.
PLC automation with closed-loop process control
The system holds ± 0.5°C temperature uniformity and ± 1 bar pressure stability across extended runs. All process parameters are logged, supporting IQ/OQ validation documentation for pharmaceutical clients.
> 95% CO2 recovery via closed-loop cyclonic separation
Recovered CO2 is re-condensed and recycled within the same cycle, cutting solvent operating costs significantly compared to open-loop hydrocarbon systems. CO2 is non-toxic, non-flammable, and leaves zero solvent residue in the extract.
GMP-compliant internal surfaces at Ra < 0.8 µm
Electropolished internal finishes prevent biofilm accumulation and cross-contamination. Surface roughness is documented at Ra < 0.8 µm and included in the delivery documentation package.

How the Extraction Process Works
CO2 is pressurized and heated above its critical point, entering a supercritical state with gas-like diffusivity and liquid-like solvating density. This allows it to penetrate plant matrices rapidly and dissolve target compounds based on molecular weight and polarity.
Raw material is loaded into the extraction vessel. Supercritical CO2 flows through the bed, dissolving target compounds. The operator — or PLC program — adjusts pressure and temperature to tune selectivity toward specific compound classes.
The loaded CO2 enters the separator train. As pressure drops, CO2 reverts to gas, releasing the extract as a clean, solvent-free product into the collection vessel. The CO2 gas is then re-condensed and returned to the feed pump, completing the closed loop.
Technical Parameters
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No
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MAIN CONFIGURATION
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REMARK
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1
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Extraction Tank
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Volume:5L+1L (2 tanks),Max working Pressure:50MPa
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2
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Separation Tank
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Volume:1X2L and 1X1L,Max working Pressure:30MPa
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3
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Pump
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CO2 high-pressure pump,Co-solvent pump
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4
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Cooling System
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Temperature range:-5℃~+5℃
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5
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Heating Exchange System
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Max working Pressure:50MPa
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6
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Purification System
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Max working Pressure:50MPa
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7
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CO2 Storage Tank
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Max working Pressure:16MPa
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8
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Flowrate Meter
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Model:Metal tube float (6.3-63L/H)
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9
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Temperature Control System
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Temperature Range: Room temperature~75℃
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10
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Safety Devices
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Pressure gauge at high pressure pump outlet,overpressureprotection The extractor, separator, evaporator, dry purifier and mixer have safety valve to keep safe of system.
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11
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User-supplied
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Power:3 phase,
CO2: Food grade≥99.5%, single bottle net weight ≥22Kg
Installation dimension: 2700×2500×1500mm
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Construction & Pressure Safety
Extraction vessels for the supercritical co2 extraction system are designed and tested to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII standards. Every unit undergoes hydrostatic pressure testing at 1.3–1.5× operating pressure before shipment, with test reports provided in the delivery package.
All fittings meet Swagelok-grade specifications for sustained leak-free performance under cyclic high-pressure loading. Coriolis flow meters provide real-time mass flow data throughout each run.
An ambient CO2 monitoring system continuously measures workspace concentration. If levels exceed 5,000 ppm, automatic shut-off valves isolate the system immediately. Rupture discs vent to the building exterior, not into the workspace.
An explosion-proof configuration is available for installations using flammable co-solvents such as ethanol.

Application Fields
Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical
Isolate cannabinoids (CBD/THC), astaxanthin, lycopene, and other lipophilic APIs at high purity. Multi-stage fractionation enables selective collection of target compounds while directing co-extracted waxes and chlorophyll to separate vessels.
Food & Beverage Processing
Decaffeinate green coffee beans and tea leaves at industrial scale without stripping flavor precursors. Also used for cocoa powder defatting and hops resin extraction for brewing — entirely solvent-free and suitable for food-grade labeling.
Cosmetics & Essential Oils
Extract heat-sensitive terpenes, antioxidants, and fragrance compounds that degrade under steam distillation. CO2's low critical temperature (31.1°C) preserves volatile aromatic profiles that high-temperature processes destroy.
Advanced Material Engineering
Used for supercritical drying of aerogel precursors — removing liquid solvents from gel matrices without generating capillary pressure. This prevents structural collapse and preserves the nanoporous architecture and high surface area of the final aerogel.

Certifications & Compliance Documentation
All equipment carries CE, ISO 9001, UL, and SGS certifications. The system design supports compliance with GMP production requirements and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity standards for electronic records and audit trails.
Delivered documentation includes:
· Hydrostatic pressure test report
· Internal surface roughness certificate (Ra < 0.8 µm)
· CE Declaration of Conformity
· IQ/OQ validation protocol (available for PLC-equipped units)
Delivery, Warranty & Support
· Standard configurations: ready to ship in 5–7 business days
· Custom-engineered units: typically completed within 30 business days
· Shipping: sea, rail, and air freight supported globally
· Warranty: 12-month parts and workmanship warranty
· Maintenance: lifetime technical support under service agreement
· FAT (Factory Acceptance Test): available at our Xi'an facility prior to shipment
· Remote inspection: build-progress photos and videos provided at key production milestones
· Installation support: remote guidance and on-site commissioning available by arrangement
OEM/ODM orders are accepted. NDA signing, white-label documentation, and custom branding are available from the first unit.

What Our Clients Say?
> "The three-stage separator allowed us to collect CBD isolate and terpene fractions in a single run — something our previous system couldn't do. Commissioning support from Bioland was fast and professional."
> — Production Manager, Hemp Extract Manufacturer, Colorado, USA (name withheld per NDA)
> "We've run this unit for 14 months on a two-shift schedule. Seal replacement at 800 hours was straightforward with the parts kit they shipped with the machine."
> — Process Engineer, Nutraceutical Facility, Germany

Request a Quote or Technical Consultation
Tell us your target compound, feedstock volume, and required throughput — we will recommend the right vessel size, separator configuration, and automation level, and provide a detailed quotation within 24 hours.
FAQ
Q: What particle size gives the best extraction yield?
A: 200–500 microns is the recommended range for most plant materials. Finer grinding increases surface area but can cause channeling in the vessel bed, reducing contact time and yield. Coarser material slows diffusion. We can advise on particle sizing based on your specific feedstock.
Q: Can the system handle polar compounds like polyphenols?
A: Yes. The independent modifier pump injects ethanol or water into the CO2 stream, increasing polarity to target polar compounds. Modifier ratio and injection point are adjustable without hardware changes.
Q: How often do the high-pressure pumps need servicing?
A: Piston seals and check valves typically require inspection at 500–1,000 operational hours depending on operating pressure and feedstock abrasiveness. We ship a first-service parts kit with every unit and provide a recommended maintenance schedule in the manual.
Q: How does the system protect against CO2 buildup in the workspace?
A: Rupture discs vent to the exterior of the building. An independent ambient CO2 sensor monitors workspace air continuously and triggers automatic shut-off valves if concentration exceeds 5,000 ppm (OSHA TWA limit: 5,000 ppm).
Q: Can the system run in subcritical liquid CO2 mode?
A: Yes. Operating below 31°C puts CO2 in a subcritical liquid state, which is preferred for highly volatile terpene extraction. Note that solvating power for heavier lipids and waxes decreases in subcritical mode.
Q: Is this system used for aerogel production?
A: Yes. The system removes liquid solvent from wet gel matrices under supercritical conditions, eliminating the liquid-vapor interface that causes capillary collapse. This is the standard method for producing silica and carbon aerogels with high surface area and intact pore structure.
Q: What documentation is provided for pharmaceutical validation?
A: Standard delivery includes pressure test report, surface finish certificate, and CE Declaration. IQ/OQ protocol templates and PLC data logging configuration are available for units destined for GMP-regulated facilities.
Contact Us
Questions about the supercritical co2 extraction system? Email us at info@biolandequip.com — we respond within 24 hours.