Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE)

Waters' Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) systems extract chemical compounds using supercritical fluid instead of an organic solvent. The result is an extract with little or no residual solvent, superior purity and yield, and lower operating costs compared to solvent-based systems. It's no wonder that industries from natural products, food and flavors, pharmaceuticals, to nutraceuticals, polymers, chemicals, and cleaning are turning to Waters' high quality suite of SFE solutions.

Waters SFE systems extract chemical compounds using supercritical CO₂ instead of an organic solvent. The supercritical fluid state occurs when a fluid is above its critical temperature (Tc) and critical pressure (Pc), when it is between the typical gas and liquid state. Manipulating the temperature and pressure of the fluid can solubilize the material of interest and selectively extract it. The sample is placed in an extraction vessel and pressurized with CO₂ to dissolve the sample. Transferred to a fraction collector, the contents are depressurized and the CO₂ loses its solvating power causing the desired material to precipitate. The condensed CO₂ can be recycled.