The Prime Package

Get a Spe-ed SFE Prime system for your classroom:

• Spe-ed SFE Prime
• course syllabus
• in-place methods and procedures
• educational presentations
• designed for hands-on use

Technology Overviews:


• What is Supercritical Fluid Extraction: A look at this green technology that uses SCF
• SCF Product Line from Applied Separations: Check out the extensive line of Spe-edSFE instruments available from Applied Separations.
• Helix for Aerogel Drying: Learn how to use the Helix System for Aerogel Drying.
• SCF Debinding System Components: Watch this presentation to learn more about the system and how it works.
• Producing Particles with SCF: View this presentation containing an Overview of Methods for Producing Particles with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

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What is SFE?

Carbon dioxide is in its supercritical fluid state when both the temperature and pressure equal or exceed the critical point of 31°C and 73 atm (see diagram). In its supercritical state, CO₂ has both gas-like and liquid-like qualities, and it is this dual characteristic of supercritical fluids that provides the ideal conditions for extracting compounds with a high degree of recovery in a short period of time.

By controlling or regulating pressure and temperature, the density, or solvent strength, of supercritical fluids can be altered to simulate organic solvents ranging from chloroform to methylene chloride to hexane. This dissolving power can be applied to purify, extract, fractionate, infuse, and recrystallize a wide array of materials. Because CO₂ is non-polar, a polar organic co-solvent (or modifier) can be added to the supercritical fluid for processing polar compounds. By controlling the level of pressure/ temperature/ modifier, supercritical CO₂ can dissolve a broad range of compounds, both polar and non-polar.