Dense gas means for extraction of solute from solids

摘要

The present invention provides methods and systems for the extraction of solutes from solid matter using dense gases in a mechanical auger separation system, the method comprising: a) passing the insoluble composition comprising solute into a pressurized inclined housing containing an auger; b) combining the insoluble composition with a solvent gas in either the supercritical or liquid phase to dissolve the solute c) maintaining pressure in the housing sufficient to create a biphasic dense gas comprising a vapor phase and a liquid phase; and d) rotating the auger to promote the separation of the insoluble composition from the solute; whereby the solute and the liquid phase o the dense gas flow to the bottom of the auger for removal and the insoluble composition and vapor phase of the dense gas move to th top of the auger for removal, thereby separating the solute from the Insoluble composition.