Supercritical fluid extraction of binary systems of monoolein, diolein and triolein, using carbon dioxide solvent

Supercritical fluid extraction solubility data for monoolein, diolein and triolein in carbon dioxide were measured using a phase equilibrium re-circulation high-pressure type apparatus at 60 degrees C and at various pressures. In order to examine the supercritical fluid extraction operation effects at high-pressures, detailed experimental determination were made on the compositions of the equilibrium vapor and liquid phases in the system (carbon dioxide/monoolein, carbon dioxide/diolein and carbon dioxide/triolein) at various conditions. It was found that weight fractions of up to 1% of monoolein could be obtained in the vapor phase. This might be sufficient to make supercritical fluid extraction using carbon dioxide solvent a possibility for this component. This renders a separation by simple distillation impossible. These systems were modeled based on the Redlich-Kowng equation of state. The experimental data was found to agree well with the data obtained by the model.