What is supercritical CO2 and why is it used for extraction?

When CO2 is heated above 31.1°C and pressurized above 73.8 bar it enters a supercritical state, behaving as both a liquid and a gas. In that state it becomes an excellent solvent whose strength can be tuned by adjusting pressure and temperature, which is what lets operators target specific compounds.

Is CO2 extraction safe?

CO2 is non-flammable and non-toxic, and it evaporates completely at room temperature, so finished extracts carry no residual solvent. It can also be recycled in closed-loop systems, which is part of why the method is widely accepted by regulators.

Should I run subcritical or supercritical CO2?

Subcritical conditions (lower pressure and temperature) are better for terpenes and lighter compounds, while supercritical conditions favor cannabinoids and heavier compounds. Many operators combine the two: a subcritical pass first to capture terpenes, then a supercritical pass for cannabinoids.

How long does a CO2 extraction cycle take?

Typical cycle times range from 2 to 8 hours depending on pressure, temperature, and flow rate. Parameter choices trade extraction speed against selectivity.

How should I prepare biomass for CO2 extraction?

Properly dried and ground material extracts more efficiently: target 8–10% moisture content and a medium grind size. Avoid grinding to a powder, which hurts flow through the extraction vessel.

CO2 Extraction Technology: A Complete Technical Guide

Understand how supercritical CO2 extraction works — pressure and temperature control, selectivity, equipment components, and where CO2 fits in a modern lab.