Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is a technology that uses supercritical fluid as an extractant to separate one component (extract) from another component (matrix).
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.
The main extraction process of supercritical CO2 fluid consists of extraction and separation. In the extraction equipment, at a specific temperature and pressure, the raw material is contacted with the supercritical fluid. When the dynamic equilibrium of the material components between gas and liquid is achieved, the temperature and pressure are adjusted to separate the extraction product from the supercritical fluid to complete the entire process of supercritical extraction.
Requirements to be considered in the design of supercritical extraction kettle
The extraction kettle is one of the keys to the development of supercritical extraction technology. Different extraction kettles need to be selected for materials of different forms.
An important parameter of the extraction kettle structure is the aspect ratio. For solid materials, the aspect ratio is between 1:4 and 1:5, and for liquid materials, the aspect ratio is about 1:10.
The extraction kettle should be designed according to the original data and process requirements provided by the design task. The requirements for the structure and mechanical design of the equipment are:
- Enough strength to ensure safety and prevent the equipment from being damaged by external forces;
- Enough rigidity to prevent large deformation of the equipment during transportation, installation and use;
- Good sealing to prevent material leakage;
- Good corrosion resistance. For corrosive materials, the correct material selection or appropriate measures should be adopted to ensure the durability of the equipment.
Conclusion
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.