Custom supercritical CO2 chamber with easy-to-use lid clamp

TL;DR

The content describes the construction of a stainless steel CO2 extraction chamber with improved features for easier use and customization.

Transcript

hey everyone I've done some experiments in the past with super critical CO2 but I always wanted an easier to use uh chamber with more features to it so in the past I've used a large uh pipe fitting as the chamber itself but the major downside is that opening and closing the chamber requires a really long lever arm and a lot of Teflon tape to get a ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👻 The new CO2 extraction chamber allows for easier opening and closing compared to previous designs.
• 🍽️ Machining stainless steel plates for the chamber required special tools and techniques.
• ❓ Proper sealing and preventing explosive decompression are essential in CO2 extraction chambers.
• 🥹 The chamber was tested for pressure resistance and proved capable of holding up to 4,000 PSI.
• 👻 The design allows for longer chambers without the need for re-engineering.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the drawbacks of using a large pipe fitting as the previous CO2 extraction chamber?

The major drawback was that opening and closing the chamber required a long lever arm and lots of Teflon tape to achieve a good seal.

Q: How does the new chamber differ from the previous one in terms of usability and customization?

The new chamber made of stainless steel is easier to open and close with minimal tools, allowing for more customization options and a larger internal volume.

Q: Can the chamber be used for both dry ice and liquid CO2 extraction?

Yes, the tops of the chamber are changeable, so if a pump with a cylinder is connected, it can be used for high-pressure liquid CO2 extraction. Dry ice can also be used without a pump.

Q: How did the creator ensure the welds were strong enough for the chamber's intended pressure?

The creator welded the chamber and checked the weld penetration and material quantity. Although estimating the strength of the weld was difficult, a margin was added to ensure it could withstand the pressure.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The content discusses the construction of a new CO2 extraction chamber made of stainless steel, designed to be easier to open and close and with a larger internal volume.

• The chamber utilizes vacuum fittings and o-rings for a better seal and allows for the use of dry ice instead of liquid CO2.

• The chamber was machined using thick steel plates, welded, and tested for pressure resistance before being used for CO2 extraction.