Olive Pomace Valorization via Supercritical CO2 Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Olive pomace, a by-product of the olive oil industry, poses an environmental burden due to its phytotoxicity and high production volume, with existing methods not effectively addressing the valorization of its bioactive compounds or the final solid fraction.
Innovation Solution
A continuous eco-friendly process that extracts an olive pomace aqueous extract rich in bioactive compounds and a solid substrate with reduced phytotoxicity, utilizing a series of water additions, stirring, filtration, and drying steps to produce added-value products suitable for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If olive pomace is extracted with chemical solvents to obtain olive pomace oil, then the oil extraction efficiency is improved, but the environmental harm and phytotoxicity of the remaining solid residue worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts olive pomace oil using supercritical carbon dioxide instead of chemical solvents, separating the oil from the solid matrix while maintaining the beneficial properties of the remaining residue for agricultural use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the extraction parameters by using supercritical fluid conditions (high pressure and temperature) instead of conventional solvent extraction, which allows for complete solvent removal and eliminates phytotoxicity in the residual solid
2Quantity of substance
If olive pomace is stored in large open-air containers for long periods, then the storage capacity is improved, but the environmental burden and phytotoxicity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously harmful solid residue with high phytotoxicity into a beneficial agricultural substrate by removing excess phenolic compounds through water extraction, transforming waste into a resource for plant cultivation
3Use of energy by moving object
If the solid residue is sold as raw material for burning, then the energy recovery is improved, but the valorization of bioactive compounds is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the olive pomace into multiple valuable products: supercritical CO2 extract (oil), water extract (bioactive compounds), and a solid substrate (agricultural material), maximizing the valorization of each fraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers bioactive compounds from the solid residue through water extraction, preventing their loss and enabling their use in nutraceutical and cosmetic applications
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process effectively reduces the environmental impact of olive pomace by converting it into valuable products with low phytotoxicity, enhancing the nutritional and technological properties of food and cosmetic products, and providing a renewable substrate for agriculture with high germination index and reduced phenolic content.
Implementation Method 1
adding water to defatted olive pomace to obtain a solution
Implementation Method 2
stirring at 600-900 rpm during 60-90 minutes
Implementation Method 3
filtrating the solution
Implementation Method 4
drying for 60 minutes at 60°C in a ventilated oven till a moisture of 5-15%
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to olive pomace and a green methodology to obtain derivative products for it valorization. The obtained products may be used as a solid substrate, nutraceuticals, cosmetics or food supplements.