The Diamant Process

Taint-Free Corks made from, well.. CORK!

Flow Chart of Diam Cork Creation

Learn more about DIAMANT Super Critical CO₂ Processing

DIAMANT Super Critical CO₂ Processing

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The Diamant® extraction machinery works on a batch basis.
The autoclave is filled with cork granulate. An initial stage of pressurization of the autoclave is necessary before extraction may commence. This process is classed as a dynamic extraction process due to the fact that the fluid is continually in circulation.
The gaseous CO₂ is compressed over the critical pressure point by a compressor. The latent solvent (Water) is brought to a liquid state at the entrance to the evaporator.
The mix obtained from the compressed fluid and the latent solvent is heated above the critical temperature point in order to bring the solvent to a supercritical state (SC).
Finally, the Supercritical and latent solvent mix passes into the autoclave filled with the cork granule. A selective extraction of the targeted molecules is first carried out (the SC fluid taking care of the soluble compounds) and remains in contact with the cork for a specifically pre-determined length of time. The "dirty" SC fluid is gradually evacuated from the autoclave and then undergoes a decompression (below the critical pressure point) and finally a cooling (below the critical temperature point).
The CO₂ returns to its gaseous state. The soluble compounds extracted by the SC CO₂ are no longer soluble in the CO₂ gas and therefore undergo a de-mixing (separation) operation. The extracted compounds (TCA and latent solvent) are removed at the exit of the separator.
The purified CO₂ gas passes through the circuit once again (recycling). The extraction process continues until the quantity of fluid required to be in contact with the cork flour has been achieved.
The last stage is de-pressurization to bring the autoclave back to atmospheric pressure so that it may be opened and emptied of the treated material. The Key factors of the process
A particularly effective process of extraction of organo-chlorides.
Due to the physico-chemical characteristics of the fluid the treatment penetrates right to the heart of the cork granules.
Selective extraction that respects the mechanical properties of the cork without any distortion of the structure.
Bacterio-static and anti-fungal properties of the supercritical fluid drastically reducing the risk of re-contamination.
Use of a food grades, non-toxic and non-flammable gas with a heavily reduced gaseous release.