(586e) Dynamic Model And Optimization Of A Supercritical Fluid Extraction Process Plant

A dynamic model of a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process was developed and applied to the fractionation of the binary mixture squalene/methyl oleate by supercritical carbon dioxide. The model combines a mathematical model for each main piece of equipment of the SFE process, namely, the countercurrent packed extraction column, the separation column for oil recovery and solvent regeneration, the heat exchanger for heating fresh CO2 and the make-up of solvent in the process plant and the pump used to increase the pressure. Experimental tests were performed in a pilot-plant SFE apparatus where perturbations on pre-specified operating parameters, such as: feed composition, solvent mass flow rate, extraction temperature, extraction pressure, solvent regeneration temperature and pressure were induced and their effect on main process variables determined. A good agreement was obtained between experimental and predicted results. The dynamic model was found to accurately predict the outlet streams compositions and temperatures along the process of all the case studies.