Abstract
Supercritical fluids offer great solvent capacities and can be used to render extraction processes greener and safer. Their application to microreactors has been limited to the use as reaction medium, as separation is difficult, due to the low impact of gravitational forces, compared to surface forces. We now realized an integrated silicon/glass microextractor for the continuous supercritical extraction. Efficient contacting of the supercritical solvent and the liquid phase is provided by a segmented flow pattern. Separation can be achieved by capillary forces and adjusted pressure drops. The successful operation is demonstrated by the extraction of vanillin using supercritical carbon dioxide as solvent at pressures from 80 to 110bar. Concentrations of vanillin in both phases were measured with good reproducibility and distribution coefficients were found to increase with pressure, which is in good agreement with literature. Mass balance considerations additionally confirm the working principle of the device.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
