Design and Analysis of High Pressure Extractor with Supercritical Fluid

Abstract

Abstract: Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of natural material with solvents like CO2, propane, butane, or ethylene is an important extraction process which allows the processing of plant material at low temperatures, hence limits thermal degradation, and avoids the use of toxic solvents. To achieve most effective, efficient and safe way to extract valuable constituent from natural botanicals at high pressure thorough design approach is a prime requirement. Various design parameters of equipment and chemical properties of supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) can affect the quantity and quality of extract. Researchers had focused on behavior of physicochemical properties of the SC-CO2, including density, diffusivity and viscosity which can be controlled by optimizing pressure and temperature of the extraction system. But that research study does not contain structural-design of equipment used for SFE. In this research, for SFE, Supercritical CO2 is considered as supercritical fluid as SC-CO2 is easily available, recyclable, non-flammable and non-poisonous. By considering food-grade application, high pressure extractor is designed and analyzed using FEA. Standard components are designed using ASME Section VIII Div. I and other components are designed using basic machine design concept. Special clamping system is designed for an extractor and is to be analyzed using FEA and for safety precautions rupture disk and relief valve is selected.