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Basics of CO2 Separation Vessels for CO2 Extraction Machine

CO2 extraction separation vessels in a CO2 extraction machine

CO2 extraction vessel and CO2 separation vessel of CO2 extraction machine
CO2 extraction vessel and CO2 extraction separation vessel of the CO2 extraction machine

In the CO2 extraction process, the supercritical CO2 fluid with the extract dissolved will be depressurized and the temperature adjusted in the separation vessel, and the extract will be separated from the fluid.

There are usually two to three CO2 extraction separation vessels in a CO2 extraction machine:

Two CO2 extraction separation vessels

  1. Waxes separation and Light oil separation in 1st CO2 extraction separator
  2. To trap the lightest and most volatile compounds in 2nd CO2 extraction separator

Three CO2 extraction separation vessels

  1. Waxes separation and Light oil separation in 1st CO2 extraction separator
  2. Light oil separation in 2nd CO2 extraction separator
  3. To trap the lightest and most volatile compounds in 3rd CO2 extraction separator

Capacity and working pressure

Capacity

The capacity of CO2 extraction separation vessel 1 is much smaller than that of the CO2 extraction vessel, about 18% of that of the CO2 extraction vessel.

The capacity of CO2 extraction separation vessel 2 and CO2 extraction separation vessel 3 is smaller than that of CO2 extraction separation vessel 2, about 10% of that of the CO2 extraction vessel.

Work Pressure

In general, the design pressure and working pressure of CO2 extraction separation vessel 1 are higher than those of CO2 extraction separation vessels 2 and 3, which are determined by the characteristics of supercritical fluid extraction.

CO2 extraction Separation Vessels 1
  • Maximum design pressure: 250bar
  • Maximum working pressure: 200bar
CO2 extraction Separation Vessels 2, 3
  • Maximum design pressure: 200bar
  • Maximum working pressure: 180bar

Air Valve Manifold

The Air valve manifold of the CO2 extraction separation vessel is located on the back of the separator stand directly behind the Main Control Enclosure. This manifold controls the air to each air-actuated ball valve via a ¼″ airline.

CO2 extraction pumps
CO2 extraction pumps

Standard Vent Line

The Standard Vent Line of the CO2 extraction separation vessel collects all the standard vent lines (lines that are vented by the user or typically by the system at the end of the cycle) and should be vented outside by a vent line of the same pressure rating as the system. The discharge line should be ½″ in diameter and no longer than 50 feet.

Safety Vent Line of CO2 extraction Separation Vessel

This vent line safety vent lines (lines that are vented to protect the system from over-pressurization) should be vented outside by a vent line of the same pressure rating as the system. The discharge line should be ½″ in diameter and no longer than 50 feet.

Pressure and Temperature Gauges

CO2 extraction vessels
CO2 extraction vessels

Each CO2 extraction separation vessel has an independent temperature and pressure display instrument, which is arranged on the operation panel, and the display methods are digital and pointer. No special requirements, usually digital display.

At the same time, these parameters will also be displayed in the HMI (human-machine interface), the CO2 extraction machine with a common configuration can set the temperature in the human-machine interface, and the system automatically adjusts the temperature and separation temperature of the CO2 extraction process; The machine can set the extraction pressure and separation pressure in the system, which is automatically adjusted by the system.

Vent Valves

The separator bank has its own vent valve that can be used to release pressure from that bank of separators. These valves should be vented to the vent valve manifold located above the air valve manifold.

Collection Valve

The separator bank has its own collection valve that can be used to collect oil from separators A, B, C.

Evacuation Valve

The separator bank has its own evacuation valve that can be used to evacuate (draw a vacuum) the whole system before a run or evacuates the individual separator banks while running.

Read More
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