Optimal design of supercritical fluid processes

Abstract

Optimal schemes and operating conditions are analyzed for the deterpenation of citrus peel oils with supercritical carbon dioxide. The problem is formulated as a mathematical programming model using the group contribution equation of state (GC-EOS) for rigorous phase equilibria predictions. Both thermodynamic predictions and simulation results are found to be in agreement with experimental studies. Optimization results give insight to improve current experimental values of product recovery and purity.