Iranian Knowledge-Based Company Unveils Homegrown Supercritical Fluid Extractor
“Our company has successfully constructed a supercritical fluid extractor in two different models of five-liter and half-liter capacities. The device is used to extract the carbon dioxide fluid to the critical phase. In fact, the supercritical phase is between liquid and gas, which allows extracting materials from the gas phase,” Arash Behzadi, technical manager of a knowledge-based company said.
Saying that a supercritical fluid (SCF) is any substance at a temperature and pressure above its critical point, he added, “Low extraction temperature to prevent decomposition of the final product, optimal extraction with precise control of temperature and pressure, absence of scum and sedimentation in the final product, recovery of solvent and no generation of pollutants are some of the features of this extraction device.”
“The basic components of the extractor device consist of a CO2 pump that can operate at a maximum pressure bar and a flow rate of 50 liters per hour, and a solvent pump that can operate at a maximum pressure of 500 bar. All pipes, fittings and tanks are made of S316 stainless steel that can operate at a 6,000 psi, two flow meters for solvent and supercritical fluid, four safety valves to increase safety, three stainless pumps for hot water circulation, proper refrigeration system, pressure sensors at various points, PT100 type temperature sensor at different points and display to show temperature in different points if digital display system is used,” he explained more.
Stating that the device is employed in pharmaceuticals, Behzadi clarified, “The difference between this machine and other similar products is that its extraction is done at a low temperature, by which I mean its active ingredient is not changed and its quality is not reduced.”
“The five-liter digital supercritical extractor has been commercialized and exported to many countries, and two companies have so far purchased this product in Iran,” the company’s technical director further asserted.
The knowledge-based company unveiled its product at the "Made in Iran" Exhibition which was held at Tehran International Fairground on January 2-5, 2024.
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