FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. In what do eCO2 processes consist ?
eCO2 consists in the use of a pressurised and inert fluid at ambient temperature as a substitute for traditional halogenated organic solvents (freons, chlorinated and fluorinated solvents ), hydrocarbon solvents and acqueous detergent solutions in applications such as :
2. Are we using a new solvent ?
No, as CO2 has been used for several years in extractive processes like coffee decaffeination by means of the HAG process. Yes, as we are using it in novel applications like surface treatments
3. Does the use of CO2 contribute to the greenhouse effect ?
No, as the CO2 we use is taken from the atmosphere itself and it therefore is recycling preexisting CO2. Our plants also work in a closed cycle thus losing only a small amount in the process.
4. Can traces of solvent remain the the treated material or in the extract ?
No, as CO2 does not exist in the liquid or solid form at ambient temperature and pressure.
5. What are the advantages of CO2 processes over the more traditional ones ?
6. Are CO2 processes covered by limiting legislations ?
No, and none are foreseen given the advantages listed above.
7. What can be cleaned by means of CO2 processes ?
One can clean metallic pieces (end product, turnings, left over wastes, etc…) made of steel, brass, aluminum,cast iron as well as special alloys . The aforementioned materialsas well as sintered or composite materials or objects made of plastic, smooth or rough glass, quartz, sapphire, diamond or ceramics can be cleansed from oils, greases, waxes, solvents and various binders. One can clean textile fibers, resins ,polymers, wood and wood based products, removing solvents or residues of glues, laquers and monomers. One can purify pharmaceutical products of synthetic or natural origin like extracts for example. One can purify raw materials before their use or one can remove contaminants from natural products before their extraction (pesticides, fuels and combustion residues like polyaromtic hydrocarbons). One can clean up enviromentally polluted waters and soils from petrochemicals, heavy metals , solvents, pesticides, etc…
8. What can be extracted by means of CO2 processes ?
One can extract nonpolar substances( vegetable oils and fats, mineral oils and greases, steroidal compounds as well as phytosterols, terpenes, oygenated terpenes and esters, etc…), as well as slightly polar substances (alcaloids, organic acids, amines, …) all without the use of cosolvents. When using cosolvents or additives like complexing agents it is even possible to selectively extract metals or relatively polar substances. Substances with good water solubility are able to extracted by using water as the cosolvent. It is however impossible to extract highly polar substances like sugars , glycosides or proteins.
9. What can be produced either by synthesis or processing by means of CO2 processes ?
One can obtain natural extracts, as well as defatted products, regenerated mineral and vegetable oils, micronized pharmaceutical products, high purity or finely micronized products for high tech applications, impregnated materials or synthetic materials made in supercritical solvent instead of traditional ones.
10. Are additives used in CO2 processes ?
In particular cases one can use such cosolvents as water or ethanol as well as additives like surfactants or complexing agents. To guarantee that the products retain their native properties in the case of food , pharmaceuticals and medicinal products and to reduce environmental loads one tries to avoid the use of additives.
11. Do CO2 processes entail damage of any kind or corrosion to the treated materials ?
CO2 is inert with respect to metals, alloys, natural products and synthetic substances. Water and oxygen contaminants are present only in minimal quantities in the normally used CO2 (min. purity 99.5%). These can however be yet further reduced by using CO2 of purity up to 99.999%.
12. How long does it take for us to develop a cleaning or other type of CO2 processes ?
For processes of which the chemical-physical bases are known we require 6 months to optimize, design, build and economically evaluate the plant. Particular processes may require a few additional months to define the fundamental process parameters.
13. What dimensions are to be foreseen for a CO2 process plant ?
Our prototype with 10 l charge capacity has a footprint of 3 m2 and a height of 2 m.
14. What materials are used to build such plants ?
The extraction chamber as well as all the CO2 conduits are made of inox steel.
15. What are considered to be normal operating conditions of a CO2 process ?
Temperature ranges between 40°C and 60°C, pressure 60 bar to 300 bar and flow 10 kg/h to 80 kg/h.
16. How long does an average cleaning or extraction cycle last ?
Usually between 30 and 90 minutes.
17. What amount of servicing and upkeep does a CO2 plant need ?
One only has to comply to the testing of parts used under high pressure over and above the regular checks to the pumps and cooling system. When changing cleaning application a wash of the CO2 circuit is the only extra maintenance needed.
18. Does the operating personnel need particular training ?
There is no need for any particular training. Our company will instruct the personnel on maintenance and production processes.
19. What would a new CO2 process plant cost ?
Between 50 000 and 400 000 CHF according to dimensions and the need for automation.