Case study · Fluid Dynamics & Phase Behavior

Visualizing a high-pressure phase change in public: a portable supercritical CO2 demonstration cell

For a major energy group, IRIAN Mecatronics designed and fabricated a high-pressure (80 bar) visualization cell to demonstrate the transition of CO2 to its supercritical state to a non-specialist audience. Fully self-contained and portable, the equipment integrates all its functions into a carrying case and guarantees absolute safety for use at conferences.

Client: Major international energy group
Field: Energy / Science Education
Technique: Phase Transition Visualization

01 — The research question

How to safely demonstrate a high-pressure phenomenon outside a laboratory setting?

Observing a physical state change or a chemical reaction under controlled pressure and temperature requires a specialized environment. When this observation must take place outside a lab—for training, a client demonstration, or a trade show—the challenge is twofold: the equipment must not only be miniaturized and self-contained, but it must also guarantee absolute safety for an untrained audience.

This was the challenge our client presented: to make the transition of CO2 to its supercritical state visible and understandable during a conference. Laboratory equipment capable of reaching these conditions, such as custom HPHT reactors and cells, is typically stationary, bulky, and dependent on building utilities. They are neither portable nor designed to be operated by a non-specialist in a public space.

Reconciling the visualization of a high-pressure phenomenon (80 bar / 1160 psi) in a compact, self-contained unit, while guaranteeing absolute safety for use in the presence of the public.

02 — Our approach

Designing a 'plug-and-play' demonstration tool

The design met three inseparable requirements: maximum visual impact, complete autonomy, and uncompromised public safety.

Ensuring clear visualization at 80 bar

The disappearance of the supercritical meniscus is subtle. For educational impact, a wide, distortion-free view under 80 bar was essential. We integrated large-diameter optical windows that combine mechanical strength with clarity, ruling out smaller viewports that would have diminished the demonstration's visual impact.
Integrating a laboratory into a briefcase

A complete system (cell, heating, cooling, pump) is normally spread across a lab bench. To make it portable by a single person, we designed an all-in-one chassis that integrates every component into a single carrying case. The equipment is 'plug-and-play' and is controlled from a standard laptop.
Making high-pressure equipment safe for the public

Operating at 80 bar in public demands safety that goes beyond mere robustness. In addition to a design compliant with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), we added redundant barriers: active overpressure protection and a passive shield to contain any projectiles in the unlikely event of a rupture.

03 — The outcome

What this equipment made possible

[TO BE COMPLETED]

Does your application require visualizing phenomena under pressure in a compact format?

Higher Education / Training

To visually and safely demonstrate physicochemical phenomena (crystallization, reactions) in a classroom. The principle of a compact, safe cell with simple controls would be maintained, adapting materials and the P/T range to the phenomenon under study.

Food & Beverage (R&D)

To visualize the effect of processes (supercritical extraction, HP pasteurization) on samples. The windowed cell, precise control, and portability would be kept, using food-grade materials and an adapted internal geometry.

Cosmetics / Pharmaceuticals

To observe the stability or formation of emulsions or suspensions under specific constraints. Direct visualization in a closed system, a small sample size, and operational safety would be preserved, while adapting the materials in contact with the product.

04 — Specifications

The values for this project. Every system is custom-built, so they adapt to your requirements.

Show specifications · 80 bar [1160 psi] · -10°C to +150°C [14°F to 302°F] · 7 cm³

Technical specifications — Visualizing a high-pressure phase change in public: a portable supercritical CO2 demonstration cell
Maximum operating pressure	80 bar [1160 psi]
Operating temperature range	-10°C to +150°C [14°F to 302°F]
Cell internal volume	7 cm³
Viewing diameter	30 mm [1.18 in]
Control	PC-based interface (3 USB ports required)

IRIAN Mecatronics designs and builds custom high-pressure, high-temperature equipment for research laboratories, technical centres and industry.

About the company

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05 — FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can a similar portable demonstrator be built for corrosive fluids?

Yes, the principle of a compact visualization cell is adaptable. For corrosive fluids, we would select inert wetted materials like Hastelloy C-276, titanium, or engineering polymers. The overall design, briefcase integration, and control system would remain the same, as we do for our test rigs built from specialty alloys.

Can this demonstration cell be adapted for much higher pressures, for instance 500 bar?

Reaching 500 bar [~7250 psi] in a portable format is feasible but would require trade-offs. We would likely need to reduce the viewing diameter to maintain a reasonable window thickness, or use higher-performance materials like sapphire. The pressurization system would also need to be up-scaled. Autonomy and compactness would remain the goals, but the weight and size would inevitably increase.

Is the thermal regulation system limited to electric heating and Peltier cooling?

No, that was the choice made here to ensure full autonomy and compactness. If the equipment could be connected to an external cooling source (a chiller, a chilled water loop), we could integrate a more powerful cooling circuit to reach lower temperatures or dissipate more heat. The choice of regulation technology always depends on the project specifications and the operating environment.

Is equipment like this subject to the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) when used in public?

Yes, any equipment with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0.5 bar falls within the scope of PED 2014/68/EU. For this project, we systematically follow the directive's requirements and sound engineering practices for design, manufacturing, and documentation to guarantee safety. This is standard practice for all our custom test benches and experimental pilot units.

Is your project stalled by the need to visualize a phenomenon under pressure outside the lab?

Describe your constraint, the phenomenon to be observed, and the operating environment. Our engineering team will analyze your project's feasibility and get back to you with a proposed approach.

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