MODELING OF SUPERCRITICAL-FLUID EXTRACTION FROM HERBACEOUS MATRICES

Experimental results of supercritical fluid extraction from various he rbaceous matrices are presented. In optimal extraction conditions, the use of a fractional separation technique allows a nearly complete sep aration of the extract in cuticular waxes and essential oil. The model ing of these results is proposed starting from the description of the mass transfer from a single spherical particle. The simultaneous extra ction of two pseudocompounds is assumed to simulate the two compound f amilies obtained by fractionation. The model is then extended to simul ate the whole extractor. The yields of essential oil and cuticular wax es obtained from rosemary, basil, and marjoram leaves are fairly simul ated by the model. Intraparticle mass transfer resulted as the control ling stage in supercritical extraction of essential oils.