Special applications
Besides well-established applications in the food, pharma and cosmetic sectors there is a lot of other potential for utilizing CO2 as a process medium. Its unique properties, especially in the supercritical stage, make it an ideal tool for a lot of tasks. CO2 is often used because of its mobility in even difficult material structures, while still acting as an efficient transportation agent. Additionally, it disappears in ambient conditions without any residue. Such qualities are used in processes where it removes components from a matrix or is distributing a soluble substance uniformly. We are happy to hear from you about your idea and discuss it with you.
This wide spectrum of applications of supercritical CO2 includes:
Cleaning of Cork from TCA
Supercritical CO2 is used to remove trichloroanisole (TCA) from cork because it effectively reduces TCA content below detectable limits without leaving residues. This ensures that cork stoppers do not impart unwanted flavors to wine.
Impregnation of Wood
Supercritical CO2 is used for wood impregnation due to its ability to penetrate deeply into the wood structure, delivering fungicides or other chemicals uniformly. This enhances the durability and resistance of the wood to environmental factors.
Tanning of Leather
Supercritical CO2 can be employed in leather tanning to reduce the use of water and chemicals. It allows for the even distribution of tanning agents, resulting in high-quality leather with improved physical properties and reduced environmental impact.
Dyeing of Fabrics and Wood Products
Supercritical CO2 is used in dyeing because it reduces the need for water and chemicals and is therefore reducing environmental pollution. It ensures uniform dye penetration and vibrant colors, making the process more sustainable and efficient.
Drying of Aerogels
Supercritical CO2 is used to dry aerogels because it removes solvents without collapsing the delicate nanoporous structure. This method preserves the high surface area and unique properties of aerogels.
Degreasing
Supercritical CO2 is used for degreasing because it effectively removes oils and greases from metal and plastic parts without leaving residues. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvent-based degreasing methods .
Cleaning of Subsea Tubes
Supercritical CO2 is used to clean subsea tubes due to its low viscosity and high diffusivity, which allows it to penetrate and remove contaminants from long, narrow control lines and umbilicals. This ensures high cleanliness and operational reliability.
Cleaning of Different Fabrics
Supercritical CO2 is used for fabric cleaning because it removes oils, waxes, and other contaminants without damaging the fabric.
Cleaning of Polymers
Supercritical CO2 is used to clean polymers because it effectively removes organic contaminants without degrading the polymer material. This method is suitable for decontaminating plastic waste and improving the quality of recycled polymers.
Removal of Organic Solvents
Supercritical CO2 is used to remove organic solvents from various materials due to its ability to dissolve and extract solvents without leaving residues. This ensures that the cleaned materials are free from harmful chemicals.
Production of Sulphur-Free Cellulose
Supercritical CO2 is used in the production of sulphur-free cellulose to extract lignin and other impurities without using harsh chemicals but by using the CARBOCELL process. This results in high-quality cellulose suitable for various applications.
