SFT-110 Supercritical Fluid Extractor for Red Pepper Process Optimization

The SFT-110 Supercritical Fluid Extractor (SFE) was developed to explore various applications for supercritical fluid extraction for practical processing needs. A good example is the investigation of solubility parameters and specific surface area to optimize efficiency of the extraction of Capsaicinoid from capsicum annuum cultivar or red peppers. Optimizing these parameters increased yields while decreasing the required processing time.

The precise control achieved from the SFT-110’s micrometering restrictor valve with its integrated heater provides the researcher the highly reproducible runs required for process optimization. The Peltier cooled CO2 pump delivers the fluid a precise pressure, further ensuring consistent experimental results. A completely removable oven lid and large side panel allow the user easy access to the high pressure vessel.

Supercritical fluid extraction has become a popular alternative to traditional extraction methods that use organic solvents. Fast, efficient extraction of a variety of materials may be achieved using supercritical carbon dioxide. The SFT-110 SFE is well suited for both research and process development applications. Precise control of temperature, pressure, and flow rate is essential for successful, reproducible extractions. The use of dual sapphire syringe pump technology, integrated pre-heaters, and precise flow control provides the precision required to achieve these goals. Process parameters developed in the laboratory are the key to the successful scale-up to pilot or production scale equipment.