Discover the multiple advantages of supercritical fluids

Unique properties

Under specific pressure and temperature conditions, fluids have unique physicochemical properties offering a density close to that of liquids and a viscosity close to that of gases called supercritical state.

In this unique form, supercritical CO2 has a solvent power with variable geometry allowing the efficient extraction of many molecules or compounds depending on their chemical nature thanks to increased solubility and a high diffusion coefficient in the material.

Due to its supercritical conditions of low pressure and temperature, its abundance and its absence of toxicity, supercritical CO2 extraction is today one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

Supercritical water offers solvation properties close to those of organic solvents and capable of solubilizing organic compounds insoluble in water in the liquid state. These very specific properties open the way to targeted applications, particularly in the field of waste treatment or organic effluents. Supercritical water can also be used as a reaction medium for hydrothermal oxidation or gasification processes

Why supercritical CO2 as an extraction solvent ?

• An environmentally friendly green solvent
• Does not produce waste or effluent
• Non-toxic, non-flammable, non-polluting, & chemically stable
• Gentle extraction that respects the integrity of sensitive molecules
• No solvent residue in the extract and in the material
• High extraction yields
• Very low consumption thanks to the recycling of CO2 during the extraction process
• Available in large quantities and at very low cost

Many possible applications

Supercritical fluid systems enable the development of sustainable and environmental processes and products.

Among the many possible applications, they can be used for:

• The production of cosmetic ingredients and active ingredients
• The production of food and nutraceutical products
• The extraction of aromas and essential oils
• The formulation of drugs
• The treatment and recovery of waste
• The cleaning of textiles, mechanical parts, porous materials or the purification of polymers
• The impregnation and dyeing of different supports (textiles, wood, etc.)
• The drying of aerogels or innovative materials
• The sterilization of surgical equipment
• Cold pasteurization