Supercritical CO2 Aroma Extraction Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for extracting aroma chemicals from aqueous and fat-containing liquid phases are inefficient, leading to suboptimal extraction rates and stability issues with aroma concentrates.
Innovation Solution
A continuous process involving the cocurrent mixing of an aqueous or fat-containing liquid phase with a gas in the liquid or supercritical state, passing the mixture through a tube to facilitate aroma chemical extraction, and utilizing a heat exchange between the extracted streams to enhance extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional extraction processes are used to extract aroma chemicals from aqueous and fat-containing liquid phases, then extraction can be performed, but extraction efficiency is insufficient and aroma concentrates have poor storage stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing supercritical fluid extraction where the extractant's density and solubility parameters can be precisely controlled through pressure and temperature adjustments. This allows optimization of extraction efficiency while producing stable aroma concentrates with controlled composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs phase transitions of the supercritical extractant (CO2) to achieve extraction and subsequent separation. The extractant transitions from supercritical phase during extraction to gaseous phase during separation, enabling efficient aroma chemical transfer while producing stable concentrates.
2Productivity
If supercritical CO2 is used under high pressure conditions for extraction, then aroma chemicals can be extracted, but the process requires additional equipment for heating and energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function into the extraction system by using an electrically heated extraction cell that directly heats the supercritical CO2 and sample mixture. This integration eliminates the need for separate heating equipment and simplifies the overall process setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service principles where the supercritical CO2 serves dual purposes: as the extraction medium and as the carrier for aroma chemicals. The process uses the inherent properties of supercritical fluids to achieve both extraction and separation without requiring additional complex equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional extraction methods are used, then aroma chemicals can be removed from the phase, but the aroma chemicals may not be fully separated and the process lacks uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a homogeneous supercritical fluid environment throughout the extraction cell, ensuring uniform contact between the extractant and the sample matrix. This localized control of extraction conditions throughout the entire sample volume achieves consistent and complete aroma chemical separation.
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 achieves improved extraction efficiency with higher aroma chemical transfer rates and more stable, intense aroma extracts, reducing the need for additional heating mediums and improving the uniformity of the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
a stream S1 of a mixture of SF1 and SG1 is obtained; (b) the stream S1 obtained in step (a) is continuously passed through a tube R having an internal surface OI and an external surface OA, whereby S1 contacts the internal surface OI of the tube R and whereby in S1 during traversal of the tube R the aroma chemicals comprised by SF1 are at least partly extracted into SG1
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the stream S2 at least partly contacts the external surface OA of the tube R so that a heat exchange takes place between S2 and S1
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for continuous extraction of an aqueous and/or fat-containing liquid phase F comprising aroma chemicals with a gas G in the liquid or supercritical state.