Supercritical Fluid Extraction Applications in the Process Industries

Abstract

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), a separations technique, has recently attracted the attention of the process industries. SFE is based on the observation that a fluid exhibits enhanced solvating ability when compressed at temperatures near its critical temperature to pressures greater than its critical pressure. This extraction process can, under certain circumstances, offer economic advantages comparable to those of conventional separation techniques. Several commercial supercritical processes are currently in operation in the United States and Europe, and new industrial applications are emerging. In this paper, the current and future applications of supercritical fluid technology and the prospects for implementing an SFE operation on an industrial scale are reviewed.