DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION PROCESSES

Supercritical (or near critical) extraction processes have been design ed and analysed with respect to the rational use of energy. These resu lts have been validated with experimentally measured data. An integrat ed computer aided system (ICAS) has been developed and rested For this purpose. The special Features of ICAS are its ability to handle high- pressure non-ideal systems for correct and consistent computation of p hase equilibria and energy demand, steady-state and dynamic simulation modes, process optimization and, finally, equipment sizing and costin g. The results From ICAS have been validated through measured experime ntal phase equilibrium data as well as pilot-plant data for case studi es involving the dehydration of ethanol, acetic acid and acetone. The results demonstrate clearly that the developed 'tools' can be applied for design/analysis of supercritical extract-on-based separation proce sses that are more energy efficient than the corresponding conventiona l separation process. (C) European Communities 1997. Published by Else vier Science Ltd.