Critical State
The CO₂ Critical Point and Supercritical Fluid
The critical point of CO₂ is 31.1°C and 7.38 MPa. Above both thresholds, CO₂ becomes a homogeneous fluid phase.
Supercritical Drying & Extraction Systems
Supercritical CO2 drying and extraction equipment with integrated support systems.
For microscopy sample preparation, aerogel and wafer drying, and natural-product and fine-chemical extraction.
- KM-P
- Benchtop R&D and sample prep
- KM-V
- Bulk materials and small batches
- KM-S
- 8/12-inch wafer scale
- SiLen
- Supercritical CO2 extraction
01Process
Supercritical CO₂ Process Principles
Drying follows a single-phase CO₂ path to reduce capillary-pressure damage; extraction uses tunable solvent power to extract and separate target compounds.
Drying Path
Solvent Exchange and Single-Phase Depressurization
An intermediate solvent and liquid CO₂ sequentially replace pore liquid. The system then crosses the critical point and depressurizes slowly to reduce capillary damage.
Extraction Path
Solvent Power and Pressure-Based Separation
Dense CO₂ dissolves and carries target compounds. Reducing pressure or changing temperature precipitates them while CO₂ is recovered for recirculation.
02Equipment
Standard Drying and Extraction Systems
Four standard systems for benchtop preparation, bulk-material and wafer drying, and natural-product extraction.
Support systems include CO2 pressurization, heat exchange, separation and recovery, and control interlocks, configured for the process.
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02.1
Benchtop Laboratory
KM-P Compact Supercritical Dryer
An automated benchtop CO2 dryer with programmable operation.Best for: benchtop R&D, electron-microscopy preparation, aerogels and small micro/nano structures.
View KM-P Details- Sample chamber
- 100–200 mL · 2.5–3.4″
- Operating pressure
- 0–1500 psi
- Operating temperature
- 0–50 °C
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02.2
Small Batch & Pilot
KM-V Vertical Supercritical Dryer
A large-capacity vertical CO2 dryer with program management and batch comparison.Best for: bulk materials, substrates and microsphere arrays, 8-inch wafers and small-batch validation.
View KM-V Details- Standard chamber
- 679 / 1162 mL
- Wafers
- 8″ · Quantity by fixture
- Cooling
- Closed-loop cooling · Condensation separation
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02.3
Wafer Production Line
KM-S 12-inch Wafer Drying System
For supercritical drying of 8/12-inch wafers and square substrates after wet processing.Best for: wafers and square substrates, clean production lines and automation integration.
View KM-S Details- Vessel lid
- Automatic lift
- Wetted parts
- 316L
- Interfaces
- MES · Evaluated against line takt time
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02.4
Extraction & Pilot
SiLen Deep Blue Supercritical Extraction System
Supercritical CO2 extraction for natural products, food, pharmaceutical intermediates and fine chemicals.Best for: feedstock extraction, separation research and laboratory validation.
View SiLen Details- Extraction vessel
- 200 mL–3 L · By model
- Pressure
- Vessel rating up to 52 MPa
- Separation
- Single / dual stage · By plan
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02.5 CO2 Supply Booster Pump Temperature Control Separation & Recovery Control Interlocks System Architecture & Integration
CO2 Pressurization and Recovery Modules
Integrates pressurization, heat exchange, condensation/separation, recovery loops and controls around the drying or extraction unit.Best for: supporting equipment and integration for drying and extraction systems.
- Pump train
- High-pressure pump · Co-solvent pump · Back pressure
- Recovery
- Condensation · Separator · Recirculation loop
- Controls
- PLC/HMI · Interlocks · Data interfaces
03Compare
Supercritical Drying and Extraction Equipment Comparison
Choose KM-P, KM-V or KM-S by sample size, batch volume and cleanliness class. Configure SiLen Deep Blue by vessel size, pressure, co-solvent and separation requirements.
| Series | Best fit | Chamber / Vessel | Pressure range | Temperature range | Key configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KM-P | Benchtop laboratory use, SEM/TEM preparation, aerogels and micro/nano structures | 2.5–3.4 inches, 100–200 mL | Operating 0–1500 psi; safety limit 2000 psi | Operating 0–50 °C; safety limit 55 °C | Touchscreen recipes, modular sample chambers; filtration confirmed per configuration |
| KM-V | Bulk materials, substrates and microsphere arrays, 8-inch wafers and small-batch validation | KM-V6 approx. 679 mL; KM-V8 approx. 1162 mL; deep-chamber plans confirmed per project | 0–2000 psi | −30–60 °C | Closed-loop cooling, condenser, spacer rings and 8-inch wafer basket; quantity confirmed by chamber and fixture |
| KM-S | 8/12-inch wafers, square substrates, clean production lines and automation integration | 13-inch chamber, up to 17 L; multi-wafer capacity depends on fixtures | 0–3500 psi | −30–80 °C | Automatic vessel lid, 316L wetted parts, clean filtration and site-interface evaluation |
| SiLen | Natural products, food, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals | 200 mL integrated unit; configurable 500 mL–3 L vessels, with 1 L-class standard | Vessel rating up to 52 MPa; system pressure confirmed by pump and plan | Published operating window ambient–50°C; some configurations support up to 80°C | Dual-piston and co-solvent pumps, single/dual-stage separation and CO2 recovery configured by plan |
04Engineering
Component Engineering and System Validation
Critical components are designed for pressure-drop cooling, dry-ice blockage, low-temperature sealing and high-pressure regulation, then validated through complete process cycles.
Critical Components
In-house Check, Metering and Back-pressure Valves
Precise liquid-CO2 inlet, check-flow and back-pressure control directly protects the sample. These three patented valve designs balance flow direction, fill rate, back-pressure profile and low-temperature seal life across real process windows.
- Sample Chambers & Pressure Vessels Structure and interfaces defined by sample size, media state and process sequence
- 316L Wetted Parts Materials, filtration grade and flow paths are specified for each system
- Recipes & Data Logging Key process variables, operating states and alarms can be logged by project
About UsBeijing Shian Kelin · KiMax Supercritical Processing
Technical Focus
Supercritical CO2 drying, extraction, separation and recovery
Product Range
Benchtop preparation, wafer drying, laboratory extraction and modular systems
Services
Equipment selection, custom engineering, process validation and site integration
05Custom Systems
Custom Supercritical Systems
One engineering team handles sample testing, process assessment, design, assembly, commissioning and site delivery. Custom projects typically address the following four needs.
Custom Requirement 01
Custom Chambers and Process Design
When sample size, batch volume or solvent system exceeds standard chambers, the CO2 supply, pressurization, heat exchange, separation and recovery stages can be engineered to the project.
Custom Requirement 02
Custom Temperature and Pressure Ranges
For temperature, pressure or operating profiles beyond standard equipment capabilities, we assess and design the required thermal, pressurization and regulation systems.
Custom Requirement 03
Production Interfaces and Clean Configuration
Control logic, data interfaces and materials are specified for the site MES, alarm systems and cleanliness requirements.
Custom Requirement 04
Special Media and Material Compatibility
For corrosive gases or liquids, wetted materials, seals and valve control are selected around chemical compatibility and service life.
Delivery Process
Custom Project Delivery
Sample tests establish process feasibility and the scope of customization. The engineering team completes design, assembly, commissioning and site installation, followed by the agreed acceptance checks.
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Sample Validation
Run full process cycles on submitted samples to assess the operating window and feasibility.
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Design Review
Review the process design, mechanical plan and component list, then agree on technical requirements and supply scope.
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Assembly & Commissioning
Perform and document factory tests for leak tightness, pressure-temperature control, complete cycles and safety interlocks.
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Site Delivery
Engineers install and commission on site, train operators and complete each agreed acceptance item.
06Applications
Typical Applications for Supercritical Drying and Extraction
SEM/TEM Specimen Preparation
Prepare biological samples, gels and delicate structures while reducing collapse and shrinkage.
MEMS, Wafers & Micro/Nano Devices
Drying wafers and lithographic patterns after wet processing, MEMS cantilever release, 3D-printed microstructures and microsphere arrays seated in substrate recesses.
Aerogel & Advanced-Material Drying
Reduce pore collapse and cracking in highly porous materials, MOFs and gel systems.
Natural-Product Extraction Development
Screen feedstock size, loading density, pressure-temperature programs and entrainer conditions to assess target yield and selectivity.
Sample Testing and Process Validation
Validate exchange paths and process windows with actual samples before selecting equipment.
Multistage Separation & Fraction Collection
Collect light, oil and wax fractions across a separation-pressure gradient and compare precipitation order, purity and mass balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Equipment Selection FAQ
Common questions about equipment selection, sample testing, critical point drying and extraction configurations.
How should I choose between the KM-P, KM-V and KM-S supercritical dryers?
KM-P is designed for benchtop R&D, electron-microscopy sample preparation, aerogels and micro/nano structures. KM-V handles bulk materials, substrates and microsphere arrays, 8-inch wafers and small-batch validation. KM-S supports 8/12-inch wafers and square substrates, and automated clean-line integration.
How does supercritical drying differ from conventional drying?
Conventional drying creates a liquid–vapor meniscus that can generate capillary pressure. Supercritical CO₂ drying first exchanges the solvent, enters the supercritical region and then depressurizes along a single-phase path, reducing damage to MEMS, aerogels and micro/nano structures.
Can I test samples before choosing equipment?
Yes. First confirm sample size, solvent-exchange method, target structure, throughput and cleanliness requirements, then select the appropriate KM-P, KM-V, KM-S or SiLen configuration.
Can you engineer custom supercritical equipment?
Yes. We can engineer sample chambers, extraction vessels, pressure-temperature windows, CO2 flow paths, separation and recovery, PLC/HMI controls, safety interlocks and site interfaces.
Do you supply supercritical extraction equipment?
Yes. The SiLen Deep Blue system supports natural-product, food, pharmaceutical-intermediate and fine-chemical R&D, with configurations selected by vessel size, pressure range, co-solvent needs and separation stages.
How should samples be prepared before supercritical drying?
Confirm sample size, solvent system, exchange steps, target morphology and cleanliness requirements. For water-containing samples or special solvents, review the exchange path and material compatibility in advance.
Can the equipment support clean configurations and data logging?
Available options include clean filtration, 316L tubing, pressure and temperature trend recording, alarm logs, PLC/HMI controls and data export. Wafer and production-line projects can also include site-interface integration.
What information should I prepare before requesting a recommendation?
Prepare the sample type, dimensions, batch size, solvent state, target morphology, pressure-temperature range, cleanliness class, site interfaces and any custom automation requirements.
Contact
Equipment Selection and Technical Consultation
For equipment selection, provide sample type, dimensions, batch size and cleanliness requirements. For extraction, add feedstock form, target compounds and throughput. Sample tests can help establish the required configuration.
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400-009-7890
Sales Email
sales@kimax-cpd.com
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