A process for cyclic super critical fluid (SCF) CO2 extraction of fragrances
from jasmine flowers was developed by Prof.
M. Mukhopadhyay at the Department of Chemical Engineering. The process results
a higher and better recovery of fragrances
in a single step, as compared to conventional processes.
The process comprises a cycle of static extraction from flowers using
supercritical fluid CO2 and dynamic collection of
the fragrances by depressurization. Supercritical fluid CO2 is
charged into an extractor loaded with jasmine flowers from
the bottom and stripping fragrances from the flowers by holding the supercritical
fluid CO2 in the extractor for a predetermined
period of time in a static condition.
The dynamic fragrance collection is carried out by releasing the fragrance-laden
CO2 from the top of the extractor at a
controlled rate and simultaneously charging fresh supercritical fluid
CO2 into the extractor for a predetermined period
under specific pressure and temperature.
Fragrances from the extractor are then
recovered in a separator by depressurising
the fragrance laden CO2 thereof from the top of the extractor
to separate the fragrances.
The process is repeated to continue the cycle of stripping of fragrances
from the flowers in static condition and collection
of fragrances in dynamic condition. In addition the flowers may be
treated with a water soluble organic cosolvent
prior to extraction with supercritical fluid CO2 for a still
better and higher recovery.
Indian patent application no. 72/BOM/96 Patent grant no. 183454
Inventors: M Mukhopadhyay
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