This module provides a detailed breakdown of the essential equipment used in Supercritical CO₂ Extraction and how the system operates. Understanding these components is crucial for efficient, safe, and high-yield agarwood oil extraction.
2.1 Key Components of a Supercritical CO₂ Extraction System
A typical CO₂ extraction setup consists of the following components:
1. CO₂ Supply System (Tank & Compressor)
CO₂ Storage Tank – Holds high-purity liquid CO₂ at low temperature.
Compressor/Pump – Increases CO₂ pressure to the required extraction level.
Function: Supplies pressurized CO₂ into the extraction system.
2. Extraction Chamber (Reactor Vessel)
Material: Made of high-grade stainless steel to withstand high pressure (100-300 bar).
Size & Capacity: Varies depending on production scale (lab, pilot, or industrial scale).
Function: Holds the agarwood powder or chips, where CO₂ interacts with the material to extract oil.
3. Heat Exchanger (Temperature Control Unit)
Maintains precise temperatures (~31-50°C) to keep CO₂ in a supercritical state.
Prevents overheating, which can degrade the quality of agarwood oil.
Function: Ensures CO₂ stays in an optimal supercritical phase for efficient oil extraction.
4. Separator (Oil Collection Chamber)
Lowers pressure to separate extracted oil from CO₂.
Different chambers may collect essential oil and other plant compounds separately.
Function: Recovers high-purity oud oil while recycling CO₂ for reuse.
5. CO₂ Recycling & Recovery System
Condenses & recaptures CO₂ after extraction.
Reduces operational costs by minimizing CO₂ waste.
Function: Makes the process cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
2.2 How the Supercritical CO₂ Extraction System Works
Step-by-Step Process:
1️⃣ Loading the Agarwood Material – Ground agarwood chips or powder are placed inside the extraction chamber.
2️⃣ Pressurizing CO₂ – Liquid CO₂ is pumped into the system and converted into its supercritical state.
3️⃣ Extraction Phase – Supercritical CO₂ penetrates the agarwood, dissolving the resinous compounds (oud oil).
4️⃣ Separation Phase – The CO₂ and oil mixture is sent to the separator, where pressure is reduced to allow oil collection.
5️⃣ Oil Collection & Filtration – The extracted high-purity oud oil is collected and further refined.
6️⃣ CO₂ Recovery & Recycling – The CO₂ is recaptured and reused, making the process eco-friendly & cost-effective.
2.3 Safety Considerations for CO₂ Extraction Systems
⚠ High Pressure Handling – Systems operate at up to 300 bar; proper training is essential.
⚠ Temperature Control – Overheating can degrade oil quality; ensure precise regulation.
⚠ Leak Detection – Regular checks to prevent CO₂ leaks and ensure safe operation.
2.4 Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Agarwood Business
Lab-Scale Systems – Best for small-scale research & product testing.
Pilot-Scale Systems – Suitable for medium-sized agarwood oil businesses.
Industrial-Scale Systems – High-volume production for commercial perfume & essential oil companies.