Simple fractionation through the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of palm kernel oil

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) in the pressure range 20.7-48.3 MPa ( 3000-7000 psi) and temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees C was used as a s olvent in the extraction of palm kernel oil (PKO). At 20.7 and 27.6 MPa, th e solubility of PKO in SC-CO2 decreased with temperature. However, at highe r pressures of 34.5, 41.4 and 48.3 MPa, the solubility increased with tempe rature. The composition of the oil extracted varied with time. Earlier frac tions were rich in short-chain triglicerides, while the later fractions wer e rich in longer chain triglicerides and unsaturated triglicerides. However , at higher pressures, the fractionation effect diminished and the oil coul d be considered as a single component. At 48.3 MPa and 80 degrees C, the so lubility of PKO in SC-CO2 of about 20% was relatively high compared with th at of soybean oil of about 3%. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights re served.