High-pressure microfluidics for the investigation into multi-phase systems using the supercritical fluid extraction of emulsions (SFEE)

A microfluidic system is introduced which allows the observation of mechanisms taking place during the supercritical fluid extraction of emulsions (SFEE). The system combines good optical access, high-pressure resistance and homogeneous operation conditions. It is thus ideally suited to visualize processes of multi-phase systems at elevated pressures. Practical explanations are given for the installation of such a system and illustrative results are presented for the generation and extraction of emulsions in the SFEE process.This study aims to provide a strategy to investigate mass transport and mixing mechanisms in multi-phase systems at elevated pressures. For production purposes, a higher throughput would be required.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Transparent microfluidics to overcome the limited optical access in sc fluid-based processes. ► Microfluidics as a unique tool to access high-pressure, multi-phase, multi-component systems. ► In-situ observation of all process steps in the SFEE process applied in a micro-capillary system. ► Rapid system investigations in the length-scale of the conventional SFEE.