Supercritical CO2 vs Solvent Extraction Purity Level

Extraction methods play a vital role in determining the purity of essential oils, plant extracts, and other bioactive compounds. This article compares the **purity levels** of **supercritical CO2 extraction** and **solvent extraction**, analyzing chemical residues, efficiency, and final product quality.

1. Understanding Purity in Extraction Processes

• Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Uses CO2 in a supercritical state to extract compounds **without the need for chemical solvents**. This results in a **clean, high-purity extract** free from contaminants.

• Solvent Extraction: Uses solvents like hexane or ethanol to dissolve plant materials. Some solvent residues may remain in the final product, affecting purity and safety.

2. Chemical Residues in Final Products

• Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Since CO2 naturally evaporates, there are **zero solvent residues** in the final product.

• Solvent Extraction: Even after evaporation, **trace amounts of solvents** may remain in extracted oils, which can alter the final product's purity and flavor.

3. Efficiency and Selectivity

• Supercritical CO2 Extraction: CO2 is highly **selective**, extracting **only desired compounds** without impurities.

• Solvent Extraction: Less selective, often extracting **undesirable waxes, fats, and chlorophyll**, which must be removed in post-processing.

4. Case Study: CO2 Extraction for Organic Herbal Oils

A U.S. organic herb company switched from solvent extraction to CO2 extraction, leading to a **35% increase in purity** and **higher customer satisfaction**. The transition eliminated solvent residues, enhancing the safety and authenticity of their products.

5. Conclusion

**Supercritical CO2 extraction** delivers **higher purity**, **zero solvent contamination**, and **superior quality** compared to solvent extraction. Companies like **SHANGHAI NORTH BROOKS** specialize in **advanced CO2 extraction systems**, providing businesses with high-purity extraction solutions.

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