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Home > Products > Supercritical & mineral CO₂ processes

Advanced pressure reactors and bespoke process technology: the key to safe, efficient and scalable CO₂ applications.

Supercritical & mineral CO₂ processes

Fluid Handling

Carbon dioxide in the supercritical phase (sCO₂) combines the properties of a gas with the dissolving power of a liquid. This unique phase behaviour makes a sustainable, non-flammable and efficient medium for the latest generation of chemical and physical processes. Mastering this technology under extreme pressure and temperature forms the key to successful process innovation and sustainable industrial scaling.

man working with a pressure reactor

Processes using supercritical CO₂

Working with supercritical CO₂ opens the door to advanced and environmentally friendly applications across a wide range of sectors:

  • Green extraction and purification: Efficient separation of compounds in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and the food industry without the use of harmful organic solvents.
  • Chemical synthesis and reactions: Utilization of as a sustainable reaction medium or feedstock for chemical building blocks.
  • Materials processing and polymers: Impregnating, cleaning,
    drying of delicate structures (such as aerogels) and high-performance polymerisation.
  • Climate and environmental technology: CO₂ utilisation, mineral
    storage and the development of circular raw materials.

The challenge in these processes lies in precise phase control, as they take place under extreme conditions (typically between 100 and 500 bar).
This places high demands on the sealing, corrosion resistance, and
temperature and pressure control of the system.

Safe processes and scale-up

Suurmond supports the requirements of process engineers in this pioneering phase with high-end hardware and bespoke engineering, from initial laboratory studies to commercial scale-up:

  • Scalable reactor systems: Supply of certified pressure reactors – from compact lab units for screening to robust pilot and production reactor systems up to 500 l.
  • Customisation & material selection: Customer-specific
    configurations using special alloys, valves and seals resistant to
    high pressures, temperature fluctuations, and potential abrasive or
    corrosive media.
  • Precision dosing technology: Integration of high-grade high-pressure dosing pumps and control systems for an accurate, pulsation-free supply of liquid CO₂ and additives.
  • Partnership and commissioning: Advice on process design, guidance through certification procedures (PED/ATEX), and support with safe installation and commissioning.

Technical details

REACTORS:
Pressure range -1 (FV) to +500 bar
Volume range 0.5 - 500 l
Temperature range -90°C to +500°C
Materials Stainless steel, Hastelloy, tantalum, glass lined steel
Certificates PED, CE, AD2000
HNP-M micro pumpen | Gather magnetic pumps:
Differential pressure max. 200 bar | 20 bar
System pressure max. 100 barg | 325 barg
Volume max. 1 l/min | 35 l/min.
Temperature range max 200°C | 400°C
Materials Stainless steel/ Hastelloy/ titanium/ tantalum
Certificates ATEX/ FDA/ material certificates 3.1

Frequently asked questions about supercritical CO₂ (sCO₂)

Supercritical CO₂ is carbon dioxide that exists above its critical temperature (31.4°C) and critical pressure (73.8 bar). In this phase, there is no longer a distinction between gas and liquid: it has a density similar to that of a liquid, but permeates everything like a gas.

sCO₂ is non-flammable, non-toxic, inexpensive and environmentally friendly. After the process, the pressure can easily be reduced, causing the CO₂ to evaporate and leaving no harmful residues or organic solvents in the end product.

The main challenges are the high operating pressures (often 100 to 500 bar), the potential for dry ice formation (freezing) in the event of an abrupt drop in pressure, and the extreme strain placed on seals and valves due to the fact that supercritical CO₂ has strong degreasing and swelling properties when it comes into contact with standard elastomers.

We use specific polymer and metal seals (such as PTFE/PEEK variants or special metal-on-metal seals) that can withstand the rapid decompression and extraction force of supercritical CO₂.

Yes. In closed-loop process systems, the CO₂ is captured, condensed or recompressed after the reaction or extraction. This creates a circular process in which the CO₂ is continuously reused with minimal loss.

 

 

 

 

 

Our systems are configured to meet specific customer requirements and can withstand extreme conditions, ranging from standard requirements to pressures of 500 bar and temperatures of up to 500°C.

Yes. We supply both reactors for R&D and pilot-scale applications and dosing skids for commercial upscaling.

We select the appropriate special alloys (such as Hastelloy or titanium) for the reactors, wear-resistant valve configurations and specific sealing materials that can withstand mechanical and chemical stresses.

Yes, all reactor systems and components are supplied with the necessary certifications, such as the PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) and ATEX guidelines for potentially explosive atmospheres.

Our engineers oversee the entire process: from the initial conceptual design and selection of materials through to the physical installation, fine-tuning and safe commissioning on site.

metal pressure reactor system

Büchi versoclave pressure reactor

man working with a pressure reactor

Versoclave pressure reactor in use by Paebbl

Büchi pilotclave pressure reactor for scale-up

micro pump

HNP-M micro pump mzr-7255 for critical processes

Gather magnetic drive gear pump animation

Gather magnetically coupled gear pump