Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is a technology that uses supercritical fluid as an extractant to separate one component (extract) from another component (matrix).
The basic principle of supercritical fluid extraction is to use supercritical fluid to dissolve the required chemical components under conditions above the critical temperature and critical pressure, and then reduce the pressure of the fluid solution or increase the temperature of the fluid solution so that the solute dissolved in the supercritical fluid precipitates due to its reduced density and solubility, thereby achieving the extraction of specific solutes.
Supercritical CO2 fluid extraction technology is a new separation technology in modern chemical separation. It has the characteristics of fast mass transfer rate, strong penetration ability, high extraction efficiency and low operating temperature. This technology has been widely used in medicine, food, chemical industry and other industries.
Five Major Rules Of Supercritical Co2 Extraction Process For The Solubility Of Different Substances
- Lipophilic and low-boiling point components can be extracted below 10MPa, such as aroma components in natural plants and fruits.
- When the relative volatility or polarity of the components in the mixture is greatly different, the mixture can be fractionated under different pressures.
- The introduction of strong polar groups (-OH, -COOH) makes extraction difficult. Within the range of benzene derivatives, substances with three hydroxyl phenols and compounds with one carboxyl group and two hydroxyl groups can still be extracted, but those with one carbonyl group and more than three hydroxyl groups cannot be extracted.
- Stronger polar substances, such as sugars, are difficult to extract below 40MPa.
- The higher the relative molecular mass of the compound, the more difficult it is to extract.
Conclusion
Supercritical CO2 fluid can be used to separate and extract specific substances from solid media, and can also be used to separate and purify specific components in liquid media.
Compared with traditional extraction methods, SFE has advantages in the purity, yield, and active ingredient content of plant extracts.
Supercritical CO2 extraction technology not only can complete deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization in the extractor at one time, but also uses CO2 as an extractant to ensure pollution-free, residue-free, and pure natural characteristics.