Apeks Supercritical

Welcome to Apeks Supercritical — manufacturers of botanical oil extraction systems utilizing subcritical and supercritical CO₂ – a safer, cleaner, purer way to extract plant oils. Faster too with our patented Valveless Expansion Technology, energy-efficient Diaphragm Compressor Technology and patent-pending Dual-Phase Pumping System. Our systems range from 5-10-liter Introductory models to the larger 2000psi and 5000psi Production Series, expandable up to 40 and 80 liters, respectively. Our newest system, the 2000psi Duplex can process 180 pounds of dried botanical material per day and has a ROI of just six days!

What is CO₂ Extraction?

Apeks Supercritical extraction systems use carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a solvent to extract oil from botanical plant material because it yields safer, cleaner and purer oil. Long known for its versatility and high efficiencies, CO₂ is commonly used in many types of commercial processing, such as dry cleaning, where it removes dirt without affecting the clothing. CO₂ extraction of botanical material works much the same way. The CO₂ removes the oil as it passes through the plant, leaving it intact. Remarkably, the plant material will look the same after extraction as before except it no longer contains the oil.

With CO₂ extractions, there are no residual components in the extracted material. Other extraction solvents, such as hydrocarbon-based propellants like propane and butane, hexane and pentane, or ethanol/alcohol mixtures, require additional distillation or purging after extraction to separate the solvent from the extracted oil. Consumers prefer products — including manufactured cannabis products — that are made from natural substances, such as CO₂. To learn more about the advantages of CO₂ extraction, click here.

How do customers extract oil from plants using CO2 extraction?

Most of our customers use Apeks systems to extract cannabis or hemp oil, but the systems will extract any botanical material – if there’s oil to be had, it will be extracted! So, how do the systems work to extract the oil?

Using high pressure, CO₂ is pumped into the first vessel (extraction vessel) containing the plant material. This process converts the CO₂ into a liquid, which then passes through the plant material, extracting the oil content. The liquid (CO₂ + plant extract) is then pumped into a second vessel (separator vessel) during which the CO₂ is converted back into a gas where it separates from the oil. The denser, heavier oil falls to the bottom of the separator vessel into a collection cup. The CO₂ continues the loop, circulating around the system, running through the plant material multiple times before the extraction is complete. The CO₂ is then redirected back into the gas storage cylinder. Approximately 90% of the CO₂ is recycled.