Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (scCO2) extraction has revolutionized the extraction of high-value compounds from botanicals, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Its green solvent profile, tunability, and high efficiency make it a top-tier extraction method. But not all CO2 extraction systems are created equal. Equipment grades vary significantly in scale, automation, and regulatory compliance. This guide breaks down the essential equipment grades to help you make the right decision.
Key Factors That Define Equipment Grades
Before diving into the specific grades, it’s important to understand what characteristics influence them:
- Scale & Capacity: Measured in liters (L); impacts throughput.
- Pressure & Temperature Ratings: Higher ratings mean broader extraction capability.
- Automation Level: Manual vs. PLC/SCADA control; data logging and recipe storage.
- Material & Safety: SS316L, ASME pressure vessels, explosion-proof systems.
- System Configuration: Number of separators, co-solvent compatibility, modular design.
- Compliance: Meets CE, cGMP, NSF, cannabis regulations.
- Ancillary Equipment: CO2 recovery, chillers, pumps, filtration units.
How to calculate how many liters of supercritical CO2 extraction equipment you need (click to learn)
Equipment Grades in CO2 Extraction
1. Laboratory / Table Grade (1L – 5L)
- Use Case: R&D, feasibility testing, small-batch trials.
- Features: Compact design, manual/semi-auto, basic safety features.
- Throughput: Grams to a few kilograms per run.
- Users: Universities, labs, startups.
- Pros: Affordable, flexible.
- Cons: Low capacity, limited automation.
2. Pilot / Small Commercial Grade (5L – 20L)
- Use Case: Niche production, process scaling.
- Features: Higher automation, PLC control, better safety systems.
- Throughput: Low to medium kg/run.
- Users: Contract manufacturers, boutique brands.
- Pros: Entry-level commercial system, good ROI.
- Cons: Limited for large-scale expansion.
Best-selling 20L supercritical CO2 extraction equipment (Click)
3. Industrial Grade (20L – 100L+)
- Use Case: Continuous commercial-scale production.
- Features: SCADA/PLC automation, data logging, robust safety, CO2 recovery.
- Throughput: Tens to hundreds of kg/day.
- Users: Large processors, CBD factories, essential oil suppliers.
- Pros: Scalable, efficient, low unit cost.
- Cons: High CAPEX, needs infrastructure.
Best-selling 100L supercritical CO2 extraction equipment (Click)
Choosing the Right Grade
| Consideration | Questions to Ask |
| End Use | Are you producing cosmetics, food, CBD, or pharma-grade extracts? |
| Volume | What is your daily/monthly biomass target? |
| Compliance | Do you need to meet cGMP, NSF, FDA, or CE standards? |
| Automation | Manual or repeatable, programmable recipes? |
| Budget | What’s your investment and operational cost ceiling? |
| Team & Space | Do you have skilled operators and sufficient facilities? |
Conclusion
Choosing the right CO2 extraction equipment grade is about more than capacity—it’s about aligning your system with your regulatory, operational, and growth goals. Whether you’re just starting out with a benchtop system or scaling up to a full GMP facility, knowing these distinctions empowers better investment decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s the difference between industrial and pharmaceutical grade CO2 extraction machines?
A: Industrial machines focus on throughput and efficiency. Pharmaceutical-grade machines add compliance (GMP, FDA), traceability, and higher purity requirements.
Q2: Can I upgrade from lab to industrial grade later?
A: Yes, many systems are modular. Starting with a pilot-scale system is a common strategy before scaling.
Q3: Which grade is best for cannabis extraction?
A: It depends on your end use. For recreational oils, industrial grade is sufficient. For medical-grade cannabis oil, cGMP grade is required.
Q4: What certifications should I look for in high-end systems?
A: Look for CE, ASME, cGMP, FDA (21 CFR), or NSF certifications depending on your target market.
Trusted by Global Clients
Our CO2 extraction systems have been sold to over 30 countries, including the USA, Germany, Thailand, and Australia. From start-up brands to well-known herbal extract manufacturers, our customers trust us for:
- Reliable equipment performance
- Excellent technical support
- One-stop turnkey solutions
- Remote installation guidance and training
Supercritical CO2 Extraction Market Report
Contact Us
Looking for the right supercritical CO2 extraction equipment for your business? Contact us today for custom quotes, technical consultation, and free extraction process evaluation.
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp/Phone: +86-134-8515-5519
You can view other models of supercritical CO2 extraction equipment [View More]