SuperCritical C02 extraction
Alaska Borealis Mountain Farms specializes in health and wellness products made with supercritical CO2 extraction. We believe in providing our customers with the highest quality products that are made with the utmost care and attention.
Supercritical CO2 extraction is a technique that produces high-quality, pure ingredients that are free from toxins and unwanted chemicals. By using this method, we are able to create products that are beneficial for our customers’ health and wellbeing. Our goal is to provide our customers with natural products that are tailored to their individual needs.
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What is Supercritical C02 extraction?
CO2 extraction, also known as supercritical fluid extraction, is a method commonly used to extract various compounds from plants. It is a safe and efficient process that utilizes carbon dioxide (CO2) in its supercritical state, where it exhibits properties of both a liquid and a gas.
The process begins by placing the plant material, such as flowers, leaves, or seeds, into an extraction vessel. Then, high-pressure CO2 is introduced into the vessel, where it interacts with the plant material. In its supercritical state, CO2 acts as a solvent, allowing it to selectively extract desired compounds from the plant matrix.
To achieve the supercritical state, CO2 is subjected to specific temperature and pressure conditions. Typically, the temperature is set between 31.1°C (87.98°F) and 33.3°C (91.94°F), while the pressure ranges from 1,000 to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi). These conditions can be adjusted based on the target compounds and the characteristics of the plant material being extracted.
As the supercritical CO2 flows through the extraction vessel, it dissolves and carries the desired compounds, such as essential oils and other valuable constituents, away from the plant material. This process is highly efficient as it selectively targets the compounds of interest, leaving behind unwanted components.
Next, the CO2 and extracted compounds are transferred to a separator vessel, where the pressure is reduced. As the pressure decreases, the CO2 returns to its gaseous state, allowing it to separate from the extracted compounds. The CO2 is then recycled and reused in the system, making the process environmentally friendly.
Finally, the extracted compounds are collected, leaving behind a pure and concentrated extract. The resulting extract can be used in various industries, such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and aromatherapy.
CO2 extraction offers several advantages over other extraction methods. It is a non-toxic process, ensuring the safety and purity of the extracted compounds. Additionally, it allows for precise control over temperature and pressure, allowing for the extraction of specific compounds while preserving their quality. Moreover, CO2 extraction is considered a sustainable method, as it utilizes a readily available and recyclable solvent.
Why use C02 Extraction?
Supercritical CO2 is an important aspect of CO2 extraction due to its unique properties and advantages over other solvents, particularly those that may be harmful. Here are a few reasons why supercritical CO2 is preferred:
1. Non-toxic and safe: Supercritical CO2 is non-toxic, non-flammable, and generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies. Unlike certain chemical solvents, such as hexane or ethanol, it doesn't leave behind harmful residues in the extracted compounds. This makes CO2 extraction a safer option for both human consumption and the environment.
2. Selective extraction: Supercritical CO2 allows for selective extraction of desired compounds. By adjusting temperature and pressure, it is possible to target specific compounds while leaving behind unwanted components. This selectivity is crucial when extracting delicate compounds like essential oils, as it helps preserve their quality and integrity.
3. Solvent-free end products: Unlike other extraction methods that may require the use of harmful solvents, such as butane or acetone, CO2 extraction leaves minimal to no solvent residues in the final product. This is particularly important in industries like food, where consumers expect products to be free from residual solvents.
4. Controlled and adjustable parameters: CO2 extraction offers precise control over temperature and pressure, allowing for tailored extraction conditions. This control is valuable when working with different plant materials, as compounds can have varying extraction requirements. The ability to adjust parameters ensures optimal extraction efficiency while minimizing damage to sensitive compounds.
5. Environmental sustainability: Supercritical CO2 is considered an environmentally friendly solvent. It is naturally occurring and can be obtained as a byproduct of other industrial processes, reducing the need for additional resources. Additionally, the closed-loop system used in CO2 extraction allows for the recycling and reuse of the solvent, minimizing waste and energy consumption.
Overall, the supercritical state of CO2 in the extraction process offers a safe, selective, and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional extraction methods that employ harmful solvents. It ensures the production of high-quality, solvent-free end products while minimizing potential risks to human health and the environment.