Supercritical Fluid Extraction Fractionator: Function and Introduction

The system consists of three main components: the main process cabinet, the electrical control cabinet, and the computer system. The mechanical parts (excluding the solvent pump and feed pump) are housed in a fully accessible main cabinet equipped with universal wheels for easy mobility. On the left side of the main cabinet, you'll find the extraction and fractionation column, the solvent preheater, and the supercritical fluid cooler. To the right, there's the solvent tank, product separator, and solvent condenser.

The main equipment is an extraction and fractionation column standing 1.57 meters tall. It is divided into two sections: the extraction section and the fractionation section. At the bottom of the extraction vessel, a unidirectional solvent distributor ensures even distribution. In the fractionation section, a ring-shaped stainless steel packing is installed, with a height of 550 mm. According to the manufacturer’s data, this section provides 12 theoretical plates. The inner diameter of the extraction vessel is 90 mm, with two openings—one for feedstock input and one for raffinate discharge. The top of the column is where the extract phase exits. To maintain a uniform temperature gradient along the column, the system uses three temperature control zones.

The solvent storage includes two tanks: a large one with a 12-liter capacity and a smaller one with 3 liters, complete with a liquid level gauge for monitoring. Both can be used independently or together. The preheating furnace features a Φ6×1.5 stainless steel heating coil, with a platinum resistance thermometer at the outlet to monitor and control the solvent temperature. The furnace has a 2 kW power rating.

The product separator is a tank with an anti-foam layer. A similar Φ6×1.5 heating coil is wound around the tank from top to bottom, connecting at the middle and lower parts. The mixture enters through the coil, allowing effective separation of product and solvent. A platinum resistance thermometer in the middle controls the temperature, with a 2 kW heating power.

This supercritical fluid extraction fractionator is designed for low-temperature, non-destructive separation of heavy components such as crude oil, catalytic oil slurry, lubricants, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, and polymers. Propane, butane, or pentane is used as the supercritical solvent. The entire process is computer-controlled, ensuring precision and consistency. The internal reflux generated by the temperature gradient improves separation efficiency, while the linear pressure boosting method enhances reliability and repeatability, avoiding interference from stepwise pressure changes.

Key features include a maximum working pressure of 20 MPa and a maximum temperature of 250°C, allowing flexible solvent use without thermal decomposition. The extraction kettle has an effective volume of 3.5 liters, capable of processing 0.5–2.0 kg of material per run, yielding up to 100 g of narrow fractions for detailed analysis. The system supports multiple control modes—constant pressure, step-wise, or linear—ensuring adaptability for various samples.

Since its development, the device has been widely used in major research institutions, including the National Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil at the University of Petroleum (Beijing), and has become an essential tool in experimental teaching programs. It is also applied in research labs across China, such as the Beijing Petroleum Research Institute and Fushun Petrochemical Research Institute, supporting advanced studies in petrochemicals and heavy oil processing.

Title: Supercritical Fluid Extraction Fractionator

Developed by: China University of Petroleum (East China) Petroleum Industry Training Center

Plastic Coated Chain Link Fence

ŸPlastic coated Chain Link Fence, is a woven wire fence with diagonal mesh. This wire fence is made from Plastic Coated Wires provided with a galvanized core, resulting in double protection against rust. It is available in various colours, the most frequently used colours are: RAL 5018 – blue, RAL 6005 – green, RAL 9005 – black.