100L Capacity CO2 Extraction Machine SUS316 Stainless Steel PLC Automation For

This 100L supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) system utilizes carbon dioxide in its supercritical state to isolate high-purity plant oils and bioactive compounds. Operating without toxic solvents, this technology yields extracts of unparalleled purity, free from heavy metals and residual chemicals. The system is constructed from high-pressure SUS316 stainless steel and features a fully automated PLC control panel. It is the preferred method for extracting sensitive nutraceuticals, premium cosmetic actives, and pharmaceutical intermediates where product integrity and regulatory compliance are paramount.

The pharmaceutical and clean beauty industries are under intense pressure to eliminate solvent residues like hexane or ethanol from final products. These residues conflict with "clean label" initiatives and strict pharmacopoeia monographs. Furthermore, heat-sensitive compounds such as CBD, carotenoids, and delicate floral waxes degrade rapidly during steam distillation. Manufacturers face a dual challenge: achieving high yields of the target compound while maintaining a solvent-free, cold-process claim. Traditional methods cannot simultaneously meet these demands without costly post-processing purification steps.

Supercritical CO2 extraction solves this by using pressurized carbon dioxide as a tunable, inert solvent. At pressures above 1,100 PSI, CO2 behaves like a liquid solvent but with zero surface tension, allowing deep penetration into the plant matrix. The PLC system allows operators to precisely adjust pressure and temperature to target specific molecular weights—isolating only the desired fractions. Post-extraction, the CO2 is simply decompressed, reverting to a gas and leaving behind a pure oil that is ready for use without winterization or solvent removal. The closed-loop design recovers 97% of the CO2 for reuse, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

This system is critical for manufacturing high-value nutraceuticals such as Full Spectrum Extract, turmeric oleoresin (curcumin), and saw palmetto extract. In the cosmetic sector, it produces pristine rose absolute, sea buckthorn oil, and pomegranate seed oil without the "off" odors associated with solvent extraction. It is also used in pharmaceutical R&D to extract thermolabile enzymes and natural pigments for clinical trials.

Carbon dioxide is cooled and compressed until it reaches the supercritical phase, where it exhibits the density of a liquid and the viscosity of a gas. This supercritical CO2 is pumped through the extraction vessel containing ground plant material. It acts as a selective solvent, dissolving the desired lipophilic (oil-loving) compounds. The CO2-compound mixture then flows to a separator where the pressure is reduced. The CO2 immediately gasifies, precipitating the pure extract into a collection vessel. The gaseous CO2 is re-condensed and recycled.

First, identify the target compound's molecular weight; CO2 is tunable, but high molecular weight waxes may require a co-solvent (ethanol) pump add-on. Second, consider throughput. A 100L vessel is suited for high-value, low-volume production (e.g., botanicals yielding 1-5% extract). Third, evaluate your facility's infrastructure—this equipment requires a high-amp electrical connection and a cooling water tower. Fourth, ensure your staff has training for high-pressure operations, though the automated PLC interface simplifies daily operation. Fifth, factor in the cost of CO2 supply and recovery.