Production of pure extracts by fractionation with supercritical carbon dioxide

In order to rid extracted products, such as ethyl esters from fish oil, of unwanted accompanying substances, they are purified using a process known as fractionation. In this process, the extract is fed into a high-pressure column for separation using supercritical CO2.

Thanks to the combination of hermetic tightness and constant discharge pressure with simultaneous exclusion of oxygen, LEWA diaphragm process pumps are ideal for continuous fractionation processes.

Solutions

Advantages of LEWA diaphragm process pumps in supercritical fractionation: 

  • Almost linear pressure-resistant pump characteristic ensures constant pressure in the separation columns (e.g. SFC)
  • Gradient elution possible
  • When solvents are added to the mobile phase of CO2, an ATEX (explosion-proof) diaphragm pump version can also be offered
  • Hermetically tight (no microbial contamination or leaks) and permanently safe with CO2
  • Hygienic design especially suitable for food and pharmaceutical processe
  • Alternative materials for corrosive fluids possible (e.g. Hastelloy) 
  • Fulfillment of necessary international standards and regulations for production in regulated industries (GMP)
ecoflow sanitary hygienic pump

Background

One solvent – two methods

In extract production with CO2, a combination with supercritical extraction (SFE) and high-pressure fractionation for example by supercritical chromatography (SFC) is sometimes used.

When fractionating certain ingredients, the reactive surface area has to be increased. In the SFC process with supercritical CO2, the extract obtained from the previous extraction is thus passed through a high-pressure column. This is filled with a finely structured chromatography medium. It ensures that the extract is divided again–into the fractions. For example, the omega-3 fatty acids DHA or DPA can be obtained from fish oil fractions. This process is shifted both in time and in terms of size. Concentrates of the highest purity can be obtained from the purified fractions.

In order to protect sensitive natural products from harmful oxidation, temperature influences or other adverse effects, CO2 is used as a solvent

CO2 is environmentally friendly in comparison to conventional solvents and achieves an extremely high degree of purification. In addition, it is reusable and therefore beneficial for maintenance. This also helps justify the investment costs of high-pressure fluid technology and integrated diaphragm pumps.

In the pharmaceutical sector, the extraction and purification process is used in the extraction of cannabinoids, for example. Cannabinoids, terpenes and other substances are dissolved from cannabis plant material (hemp). The recovered cannabis extracts contain cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), which are of interest for pharmaceutical use.

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LEWA ecoflow® diaphragm metering pump

LEWA ecoflow is the innovative and universal metering pump with DPS diaphragm protection system in a tried-and-tested modular system. Suitable for numerous applications, the ecoflow is our real all-around talent, relied on by customers from all industries.

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ecoflow sanitary hygienic pump

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LEWA ecoflow is also available in sanitary/hygienic. The metering pump for hygienic applications has the same all-around capabilities and fulfills all specifications for pharmaceutical and food production.

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LEWA triplex® process pumps for high-pressure processes

The LEWA triplex process diaphragm pump is among the world's most compact high-pressure pumps and can even be set up in the tightest spaces when space is at a premium. The power package has proven its strength in numerous high-pressure processes in a variety of industries. 

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