Supercritical CO2 fluid extraction process determines several characteristics of the extraction equipment:
1. Pressure Resistance
Throughout the entire process of supercritical CO2 fluid extraction, the extraction apparatus operates under high-pressure conditions. In experimental setups, the pressure in the extraction vessel can sometimes reach 70 MPa, while in industrial production, it is typically around 20 MPa. Due to the potential severe consequences of safety issues, it is crucial for supercritical CO2 fluid extraction equipment to ensure sufficient pressure resistance. Currently, both in laboratory research and industrial-scale production, no safety accidents have been reported with supercritical CO₂ fluid extraction equipment.
2. Multiple Safety Design
Supercritical CO2 fluid extraction equipment incorporates multiple safety measures in its design.
- Automatic shutdown of the main pump: This design principle involves interrupting the current and stopping the main pump when the pressure in the supercritical CO2 fluid system reaches the set alarm pressure. The pump restarts when the pressure falls below the set value. This design allows operators time to correct any erroneous operations.
- Safety valve: The safety valve is a reusable safety device that automatically relieves pressure when the pressure in the high-pressure vessel of the supercritical CO₂ fluid extraction equipment exceeds the set pressure. It ensures the safety of the supercritical CO₂ fluid extraction process.
- Bursting disc: The bursting disc is a disposable safety device. When the pressure in the high-pressure vessel of the supercritical CO₂ fluid extraction equipment exceeds the set pressure, the bursting disc deforms, allowing the high-pressure vessel to vent and prevent accidents during production.
The above three safety devices provide hierarchical protection for the pressure in the containers of supercritical CO₂ fluid extraction equipment, with the pressure design sequence as follows: Bursting disc > Safety valve > Automatic shutdown of the main pump.
3. Wear Resistance
Due to the high-pressure nature of the equipment, supercritical CO₂ fluid extraction equipment requires high wear resistance, especially in continuous production, to ensure reliability. The materials used for vessel covers and valves are generally required to have high durability. During the disassembly of components within the usage cycle, the materials must withstand repeated disassembly to avoid sealing issues caused by poor wear resistance.
4. Integrated Control Panel
Considering that supercritical CO₂ fluid extraction equipment operates under high pressure, the use of an integrated control panel design helps prevent operators from moving between high-pressure vessels during the production process, reducing the risks associated with operating in high-pressure environments.
5. Other Characteristics
To ensure continuous production, supercritical CO₂ fluid extraction equipment is also designed with the following features:
- Quick-opening structure: The vessel is designed with a fast opening and closing structure, facilitating equipment assembly and disassembly by operators.
- Complete replacement device for material barrels: The equipment is equipped with a complete replacement device for material barrels, which can be conveniently replaced using a hoisting basket, greatly improving production efficiency.
Summary
Supercritical CO2 fluid extraction equipment possesses pressure resistance, multiple safety design, wear resistance, integrated control panel, and other convenient features. These characteristics make it an important separation and extraction technology in various industries.