Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
231100 The Journal of Supercritical Fluids 2012 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

Kinetics of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) from plants is variable due to different micro-structure of plants and their parts, different properties of extracted substances and solvents, and different flow patterns in the extractor. Variety of published mathematical models for SFE of natural products corresponds to this diversification. This study presents simplified equations of extraction curves in terms of characteristic times of four single extraction steps: internal diffusion, external mass transfer, hypothetic equilibrium extraction without mass transfer resistance, and displacement of the solution from the extractor. Preliminary evaluation of experimental extraction curves using these equations facilitates the choice of proper detailed model for SFE and enables estimation of changes in the extraction kinetics with the changes in operation conditions and extraction geometry.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Characteristic times of mass transfer, equilibrium extraction and fluid displacement are used. ► Simplified equations for extraction curves under plug flow and for mixed cell are presented. ► The equations are applied to the data from vegetable oil and essential oil extraction.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering (General)
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