Fundamentals of supercritical fluid technology

Abstract

This chapter deals with fundamentals of supercritical fluid extraction. Considering first the typical phase diagrams of high pressure systems. Thereafter the application of supercritical fluids to separations is illustrated with alcohol extraction and dehydration with hot propane, extraction of vegetable oils with non flammable solvents and fractionation of fish oils and essential oils with carbon dioxide. Also the removal of chemicals using supercritical fluids is considered. Finally the subject of phase equilibrium engineering of supercritical reactors is developed.