For each substance there are three thermodynamic states: solid, liquid and gas. The triple point corresponds to a given temperature/pressure couple, in which the three states coexist.
There is also a temperature/pressure couple where the liquid and the gas phases have the same density, this is the critical point. Beyond this point, the fluid is said to be " supercritical ». At this stage only one phase exists. There is no state change between the liquid and gas phases, the transition is continuous and homogenous.
The fluid will be neither a gas nor a liquid but will possess the properties of both phases.

• No toxicity, non-flammable, cheaper, ˝Green solvent˝
• Easier recycling and reuse of supercritical solvent.
• A diffuseness greater than the liquid phase that allows better penetration into a porous environment.
• A viscosity similar to the gas that promotes the transfer of materials.
• A density close to the liquid, thus a strong power of solvation.
• A simple process based on the coupling of pressures and temperatures.
• Improved product performance and purity.
• Sustainable alternative to conventional production methods.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most widely used supercritical fluid. This is because CO2 is cheap, chemically inert, non-toxic, non-flammable and readily available at high purities and at low cost. In addition, the critical point of CO2 is easily accessible allowing the fluid to be used at mild temperature conditions (40-60oC) without leaving harmful organic residues. Because of its interesting properties, supercritical CO2 can be described as a "green" solvent.
The use of co solvents such as methanol or ethanol improves the extraction or splitting process.

We will not detail here the usual generalities of the basic principles and the phase diagrams of Scf CO2, you will be able to find all this information on the website of our preferred partner : Supercritical Fluids

The critical point of water is much higher than that of CO2. However, its applications are very promising and some are in the process of industrialization. Processes using Subcritical water are called hydrothermal processes.
Water in the Sub-critical phase (pressure: 15 to 100 bars, temperature: 150 to 300 degrees Celsius) can solubilize hydrophobic compounds. Therefore, it can be used for the extraction of plant materials (polyphenols, tannins, terpenes...).
The oxidation in sub-critical water can also be carried out in order to obtain an effective treatment of waste. In this case, the process is called wet air oxidation (WAO).



In supercritical water (pressure > bar of 221, temperature > 374 °Celsius), organic compounds and gases become highly miscible and precipitation of inorganic compounds occurs. Oxidation reactions in supercritical water can also be performed. Applications include the treatment of harmful waste and the synthesis of nanoparticles. These processes are called supercritical water oxidation (SCWO).




As research must always be at the top of technological progress, Top Industrie offers state-of-the-art solutions and flexible units, from 25 to 500 ml. We manufacture units for educational purposes (EduCO2) and for research and development laboratories (Greenlab), different standards are available. Always designed in a modular way, we can also adapt our unit to your needs and your process.

• Pumping modules with different types of pumps, compressors and injection systems
• Autoclaves and reactors designed specifically for your process and application
• Product Collectors, Samplers, Separators and Purification Systems for the production and evaluation of your products
• To meet budgetary and operational requirements, we will be able to adapt our units with many options:
• Adapt mixers, nozzles, specific support and contact devices
• Adapt shapes to your product
• Use different types of autoclave closures for a clean or dangerous environment
• Add instrumentation and analysis equipment