Modeling and optimization of supercritical fluid processes

MARIA SOLEDAD DIAZ; ESTEBAN A. BRIGNOLE

JOURNAL OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUIDS

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Año: 2009 vol. 47 p. 52 - 59

0896-8446

In this work, we discuss recent advances on thermodynamicmodeling, process simulation and optimiza-tion of supercritical extraction and fractionation processes. The increasing availability of experimentaldata, as well as the need for estimation of economical viability, has encouraged the development ofsupercritical processes computer models. This review will discuss main approaches on phase equilib-rium thermodynamic modeling of high-pressure processes, as well as process simulation. In this case,two main supercritical processes are considered: extraction of valuable products from solids and coun-tercurrent fluid–fluid extraction and fractionation. In the latter process, again two main approaches areconsidered: rigorous models based on equilibrium stages and mass transfer models in packed columns.Finally, optimization procedures will be reviewed, both based on rigorous models and on experimentaldata.