Vegetable prod. extn. using gas in supercritical state as solvent - in successive stages with specific residence times to give continuous high throughput

摘要

A method for the sepn. of mixts., such as vegetable prods., by extn., e.g. for the prodn. of vegetable oils, is based on using a gas in a super-critical state as the solvent. The gas, e.g. CO2, is introduced for a certain residence time in turn into many separate mixts. of the same kind. The final stage is a pressure release to separate the extracted substance. Four reception tanks, designed for high pressure, are fed by a common supply line through inlet valves which are opened in turn. Gas at super-critical pressure and temp. is introduced via a heat exchanger and compressor and another heat exchanger, for example to the tank through a valve. The gas is passed after a suitable retention time through each tank and finally reaches the pressure relief or segregation tank where the extracted substance is discharged through an outlet. This provides a continuous function of high throughput capacity. The extracted prod. is of good quality and the process is profitable.