MODELING OF SUPERCRITICAL-FLUID EXTRACTION FROM HERBACEOUS MATRICES

Experimental results of supercritical fluid extraction from various herbaceous matrices are presented. In optimal extraction conditions, the use of a fractional separation technique allows a nearly complete separation of the extract in cuticular waxes and essential oil. The modeling of these results is proposed starting from the description of the mass transfer from a single spherical particle. The simultaneous extraction of two pseudocompounds is assumed to simulate the two compound families obtained by fractionation. The model is then extended to simulate the whole extractor. The yields of essential oil and cuticular waxes obtained from rosemary, basil, and marjoram leaves are fairly simulated by the model. Intraparticle mass transfer resulted as the controlling stage in supercritical extraction of essential oils.