Supercritical Fluid Extraction

Carbon dioxide can exist as a solid, liquid, or gas. Even if residual solvent is present, carbon dioxide is a safe and natural component present in the atmosphere, inside the body, and in some foods. Water can also be used as a supercritical fluid (SCF), but its critical temperature is very high. SCF extraction is used in a wide range of operations such as dry cleaning, dying, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical extractions. Removal of carbon dioxide does not require the heat treatment generally needed in the case of solvents such as petroleum ether and alcohols. Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is used in the decaffeination of coffee. Many efforts have been made to produce spice oleoresins using SCF…