System Components

In some special cases, a complete supercritical rig is not required. For these situations, we can supply each compoments as an individual item. This flexibility is one of our main strenghts .

All these will have been designed to offer the best performance and efficiency in a high pressure, supercritical CO2 environment. They will be simple to use, with low running costs and high specification.

We can offer the following components:

  • CO2 pumps: 10g/min. 50g/min, 200g/min, 350g/min
  • Automatic Back Pressure Regulator: 20g/min or 300g/min
  • High Pressure vessels or collectors: 5ml to 5L
  • High Pressure View cells

High Pressure CO2 Pumps

Waters’ high pressure pumps (P–Series) are ideal for high pressure, supercritical CO2 and pulseless flow applications. Waters offers three standard high pressure pumps

 

with flow rates ranging from 50 g/min, 200 g/min, and 350 g/min. The pumps can be used in combination with other high pressure components. A unique grooved path is machinedinside each pump head assembly for coolant circulation, which increases compression efficiency per piston stroke by removing the generated heat. The ability to control pressure or

flow is enhanced by a rear–mounted brushless variable-speed high-torque motor. The high pressure pumps can be controlled using a hand–held display (included) or PC via the built–in RS232C interface.

High Pressure Pumps Features:

  • Dual sapphire pistons minimize pressure pulses
  • Wide flow rate capability
  • Contact closure and RS232 capability
  • Low dead volume pump heads
  • Built–in pressure sensor, gauge, rupture disc
  • Complete out-of-the-box solution requires no air

High pressure CO2 pumps

Known for quality, Waters’ dual-piston CO2 pumps are used by academic and corporate research scientists in over 40 countries. These pulseless flow pumps require no air, operate quietly, and can be used in a pressure-control or flow-control mode. Saftey features include mechanical and electrical ovepressure protection.

Below is a summary  of  specifications:

  • Rated to 690 bar (10,000psi)
  • Available in 3 models: P50, P200 and P250
  • Reciprocating pistons for constant, smooth flow of CO2 or solvent
  • High solvent compability
  • Cooled heads for best performance in CO2
  • Usable in flow or pressure control mode
  • Low runing costs from long life of piston seals

ABPR: Automatic Back Pressure Regulator

The Back Pressure Regulator (BPR) is state–of–the–art in back pressure control for supercritical fluids. By manipulating the pressure and temperature, CO2 can selectively extract the desired material. The sample is placed in an extraction vessel and pressurized with CO2 and a small percentage of co-solvent to extract the compound of interest.

The back pressure regulator consists of a motor–driven heated valve assembly controlled by a microcontroller. The heated valve assembly compensates for cooling that occurs during depressurization and eliminates plugging. The high–strength stainless steel needle and reinforced PEEK seat have a high resistance to erosion and allow stable pressure control over a wide pressure range. A built–in pressure sensor provides closed loop feedback for pressure control. The back pressure regulator can easily be programmed using a hand held controller for stand–alone operation, or by using an RS232 port with software for advanced control features.

  • CO2 flow rate 1mL to 1L
  • Closed-loop control
  • Supercritical fluids
  • HFCs
  • Water and solvents
  • PC or hand-held controller

Below is a summary of specifications:

  • Rated to 690 bar (10,000psi)
  • Available in 2 models: flow control up to 20 or 200ml
  • Automatic Needle Valve
  • High solvent compability
  • Heated seat to prevent blockage
  • Can control depressurisation down to the slowest rate

High Presure Vessel

Waters’ “finger-tight” high-pressure vessels are designed for simple opening and closing. Vessel seals are Polyimide “C” cup type with an energized spring. The spring, under pressure, is energized and forces the inner lip to contact the surface of the threaded cap. The outer lip contacts the inner vessel wall, forming a pressure seal. Caps at each end of the vessel, along with a seal, have a frit assembly to provide even distribution of fluid during introduction. The vessel body is made of 17–4PH stainless steel, which is 60% stronger than the 300 series. Stainless steel reduces vessel weight and dimensions. The cap design, with spring–loaded seal, not only enhances safety, but also lends to automation for efficient loading and unloading of large vessels. Sizes available form 5 CC to 5 L. Pressure rated up to 680 BAR and temperatures up to 200 °C.

High Pressure View Cells

View Cells are designed to provide user capability to view process, reactions, and phase conditions under high pressure. Two-single crystal windows, one in each cap of the vessel, allow the user to view the entire cross-section of the vessel. The view cell body and cap are made of non–magnetic material. A magnetic bar can be placed inside the vessel for stirrer capability by using a magnetic stirring plate. The vessels are simple, lightweight, and easy to use. Vessels are available in two window diameter configurations with 413 bar and 689 bar operating pressure range, as specified by user.

High Pressure Vessels and View Cell applications:

  • Chemical reactions
  • Polymerization
  • Catalysis
  • Oxidations
  • Hydrogenations


For further information and prices on any of the above, please click here.