Extraction

Extraction using Supercritical CO₂ as extraction agent

The extraction of natural raw materials is carried out using different kinds of solvents. One of these processes uses pressurized carbon dioxide (CO₂) under supercritical conditions. This supercritical fluid extraction process (SCFE) has many advantages to traditional solvents e.g. hexane, especially if the extract should be used in food-, medicinical- and pharmaceutical products, where high standards are needed with regard to product quality. Typical processes cover:

• Decaffeination of coffee

• Extraction of hops

• Extraction of essential oils

• Extraction of flavour

• Extraction of colour pigments

High quality products by using high pressure

Using supercritical CO₂ for the extraction process has a lot of advantages in comparison to processes using organic extraction solvents, e.g.:

• Easy availability

• Low price

• Non-toxicity

• Non-explosivity

• Solvent free products

• Reduction of pesticides

• No thermal stress due to moderate temperature conditions (below 100°C)

• Easy separation of solvent and product