Helix CO2 /Subcritical H2O Extraction
System with
- Dedicated CO2 Extractor Vessel
- Dedicated H2O Extractor Vessel
- 1 CO2 Separator
In this Helix configuration with SCCO2 and Subcritical H2O, there are three extractor vessels. One is dedicated to supercritical CO2, one is used for subcritical water, and the other is a CO2 separator. Although requiring attention, it is possible to operate both techniques simultaneously.
The supercritical CO2 part of the configuration is the same as the Helix with one separator.
In order to do subcritical water extractions, the Helix employs:
- a separate liquid pump to pump the water into the extractor vessel
- a separate collection/condensation system to safely condense the “superheated steam” and collect the desired extracts
- Applied Separations, Inc. standard vessels configured to subcritical water achieve 240°C. Optionally, vessels can be configured to achieve 300°C.
A potential operation would be to perform a simultaneous supercritical CO2 extraction while also doing a subcritical extraction of
- theobromine, caffeine, theophylline,
- epicatechin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and gallic acid from waste cocoa shells including
- valuable degradation products such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), furfural, levulinic acid, lactic acid, and formic acid.
