Q: Are there any available systems?
A: Unfortunately, no, we are now out of both stock and production. We will have spare parts for a limited time only.

Q: What do I need to get started?
A: In addition to the SuperC, you will need a non-dip tube CO2 tank. You will also need to purchase a lubricant. We recommend coconut oil.

Q: How long does it take?
A: Most extractions take about an hour.

Q: Where do you get CO2?
A: Food grade CO2 is available in most towns. It is used with soda dispensers and beer taps world wide. Ask the local restaurant where they get theirs.

Q: What is the cost per run for CO2?
A: A one hour extraction uses about 2 lbs of liquid CO2.

Q: What percentage of extract can I expect?
A: This will vary depending on your source material and application. In most cases CO2 will extract less total oil as a percentage than other solvents. This is because CO2 only dissolves the oil and does not take with it waxes and chlorophyll like other solvents. This gives CO2 extracts a purer translucent color.

Q: What do I need to do to treat the extract afterwards?
A: In most cases nothing at all. The extracts are typically ready to go as is.

Q: How long has the extractor been on the market, is it tested?
A: The compressor used in the extractor has thousands of units in use in other fields. The extractor chamber was added to create the worlds only personal size supercritical CO2 extractor.

Q: What if I want to extract oils for foods etc?
A: The SuperC uses stainless steel, aluminum, steel and a small amount of delrin plastic in its construction. There is nothing in the unit which is inherently poisonous, but all products produced by the extractor should be lab tested for quality to ensure safety.

Q: Does the SuperC require maintenance?
A: Yes. Regular maintenance is performed by the user. In addition to regular lubrication, eventually the o-rings need to be replaced. Videos showing how this is done can be found on our Videos page.

Q: Do you have a dealer program?
A: Yes. Email us to see if you qualify.

Q: How do I get information on how to extract oil from my particular plant species?
A: Google scholar accesses most of the scientific literature. A search of your plant species along with “supercritical CO2” or “superfluid extraction” will bring up MANY papers on almost all plant species. Most of these publications include the best temperature and pressure settings to extract a given oil.

Q: What about flavor? I hear that CO2 kills the flavor.
A: Recirculating CO2 systems trap moisture which combines with the CO2 to form carbonic acid (common to many sodas). When recirculating, this acid is antagonistic to terpenes, the compounds primarily responsible for flavor and aroma. Our system uses a pass-through design so only fresh, pure CO2 dissolves the oil during the run.

Q: Can I just turn it on and run it?
A: Yes and no. You need to understand what temperature and pressure is right for the oil you want to extract. Terpenes are more soluble around 1500 psi and 105 degrees, the heavier, more active oils dissolve best around 3000 psi and 110 degrees. There is a dead zone from approximately 2000-2200 psi where you will get low returns. Avoid running in this zone. You will need to experiment to get your preferred extraction profile.