Today, SFC is used across a wide range of industries and research applications. Scientists and engineers rely on this technique to analyze specialty chemicals, develop new formulations, purify drug candidates, and support regulatory compliance testing. It is most widely used in the pharmaceutical industry where its speed, efficiency and exceptional capability for chiral separations make it an invaluable tool for both analysis and purification.
Monitoring Carbon Dioxide Flow
The success of an SFC system depends on maintaining precise control of supercritical CO2 used as the mobile phase. In this process, CO2 is kept above its critical temperature and pressure, giving it characteristics of both liquid and gas. These unique properties allow it to move compounds efficiently through the chromatography system while delivering excellent separation performance. At the same time, supercritical CO2 is extremely sensitive to variations in pressure, temperature, and density. Even small variations can affect system performance and compromise analytical results.
Accurate flow and density measurement are, therefore, essential. Without them, the system cannot consistently maintain supercritical conditions, resulting in poor separation, inconsistent extraction results, and reduced analytical results.
The AW-Lake TCM 0325 Coriolis flow meter helps overcome these challenges by providing precise, real-time measurements of both mass flow and density. This information is supplied directly to the CO2 compressor control system, allowing it to continuously adjust and maintain the desired mass flow rate. This result is greater process stability, improved operating conditions, and more consistent chromatographic performance.
TCM Coriolis Flow Meter Operation
AW-Lake Coriolis meters are designed for easy installation and fast startup, delivering accurate flow measurement with minimal setup. With frequency output up to 10,000 Hz resolution and flow accuracy of +0.1%, they provide exceptionally reliable performance measurement needed for demanding process applications.
In supercritical fluid chromatography, the TCM 0325 Coriolis flow meter measures mass flow and density directly from the CO2 stream, supplying the chromatography system with the real-time feedback needed to stabilize mobile phase delivery. Because Coriolis technology measures mass flow directly, readings remain accurate regardless of change in fluid density, eliminating the uncertainties associated with volumetric flow calculations.
The meterās proprietary diamond shaped (D-shape) tube design offers an excellent signal-to-noise ratio while minimizing the effects of external vibration, resulting in improved zero stability and reliability. Combined with a balanced tube construction and outstanding repeatability, the AW-Lake TCM 0325 Coriolis flow meter provides the precise process data required for closed-loop compressor control.
With accurate flow and density information available in real time, the SFC system can maintain the desired flow profile, support repeatable separations, and ensure reliable transport of compounds throughout the chromatography process. The result is improved process stability, greater consistency, and more reliable analytical outcomes.
Beyond SFC applications, AW-Lake Coriolis meters are used across industries including oil & gas, marine, chemical, paints, and power generation. Their ability to provide accurate flow and density measurements helps manufacturers improve process efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality/consistency.
