Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
The sample rows are illustrative only. They are not operating recommendations.
| Case | Wet Biomass | Target Content | Flow | Time | kLa | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen A | 10 kg | 8% | 12 kg/hour | 3 hours | 0.45 | Low loading review |
| Screen B | 25 kg | 12% | 18 kg/hour | 4 hours | 0.65 | Baseline planning |
| Screen C | 40 kg | 15% | 30 kg/hour | 5 hours | 0.80 | Capacity comparison |
Formula Used
Dry biomass: wet biomass × (1 − moisture percentage ÷ 100)
Extractable mass: dry biomass × target content × available fraction
CO2 mass used: CO2 mass flow × run time
Solvent capacity: CO2 mass used × solubility loading ÷ 1000
Kinetic recovery: 1 − e−kLa × time
Recovered target: lower of kinetic extracted mass and solvent capacity, then multiplied by separator recovery
Extraction rate: recovered target mass ÷ run time
Superficial velocity: volumetric flow ÷ bed cross sectional area
Residence time: void volume ÷ volumetric flow
How To Use This Calculator
- Enter the batch name and biomass basis.
- Add moisture, target content, and available fraction.
- Enter flow, time, density, solubility, and transfer data.
- Add bed dimensions for velocity and residence estimates.
- Press the calculate button.
- Review the result above the form.
- Download CSV or PDF for records.
Use only validated data from legal and licensed operations. Do not treat this page as equipment guidance.
Understanding Supercritical Extraction Rate
A supercritical extraction rate is a physics estimate. It links material loading, solvent flow, density, time, solubility, and mass transfer. In licensed cannabis processing, this estimate helps teams compare batches before they review equipment limits. It is not a recipe. It does not replace validated procedures, legal rules, or safety engineering.
Why Rate Matters
Rate shows how much target extract is recovered per hour. A higher rate may look attractive. Yet the best setting also respects pressure ratings, separator limits, heat transfer, solvent capacity, and product quality. The calculator therefore reports several connected values. It estimates dry feed mass, extractable material, solvent capacity, kinetic recovery, recovered mass, crude output, superficial velocity, and residence time.
Main Inputs
Biomass mass sets the feed basis. Moisture adjusts that basis to dry material. Target content and available fraction estimate how much material can realistically be removed. Solvent flow and run time define total solvent exposure. Density converts mass flow to volumetric flow. Solubility creates a capacity limit. The mass transfer coefficient describes how fast material moves from solid particles into the supercritical phase.
Interpreting Results
The model uses a first order recovery curve. At early time, recovery often rises quickly. Later, the curve flattens because less available material remains. If the capacity limit is lower than kinetic recovery, solvent loading controls the result. If kinetic recovery is lower, transfer speed controls the result. Both checks are useful during planning.
Good Use Cases
Use this tool for screening, budgeting, academic physics demonstrations, and licensed process review. Compare one assumption at a time. Keep a record of each scenario. Export the results when you need a simple report for review.
Limits And Safety
Real extraction depends on plant preparation, particle size, matrix chemistry, equipment design, validated controls, and trained operators. Cannabis laws vary by location. High pressure systems can be dangerous. Use manufacturer documentation and qualified engineers before running any equipment. Treat the calculator as a planning aid only.
Data Quality
Use realistic laboratory measurements when allowed. Avoid copying values from unrelated systems. Small changes in density, solubility, or available fraction can move the final rate. For clear comparisons, save each run with notes about assumptions, calibration status, batch identity, and date.
FAQs
What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates recovered target mass, extraction rate, solvent capacity, kinetic recovery, crude output, superficial velocity, and residence time from user supplied physics inputs.
Is this an operating guide?
No. It is only a planning and education tool. Licensed operators must follow validated procedures, local law, equipment manuals, and qualified safety review.
Why is moisture included?
Moisture reduces the dry material basis. The calculator removes moisture before estimating extractable target mass from the entered biomass value.
What is kLa?
kLa is an overall mass transfer coefficient. It represents how quickly target material moves from the solid matrix into the supercritical phase.
What does solvent capacity mean?
Solvent capacity estimates how much target material the flowing solvent can carry during the run, based on mass flow, time, and solubility loading.
Why does the result show a limiting factor?
The limiting factor explains whether the estimated result is controlled by solvent carrying capacity or by the first order transfer model.
Can I download the results?
Yes. After calculation, use the CSV or PDF buttons shown above the form to save a simple report.
Are pressure and temperature used directly?
They are recorded for review. The calculation uses the density value you enter, because density already reflects pressure and temperature effects.