Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) continues to be explored as a feasible alternative to traditional Soxhlet and other types of extraction. In many cases SFE is cleaner, faster, and less expensive than the traditional types of extractions. This investigation has focused on the evaluation of Supercritical CO₂ extraction as a quantitative method for recovery of a hypolipidemic drug (tradename xenalipin) from an animal feed matrix. Initial emphasis of this study focused on the recovery of xenalipin from a the animal feed matrix employing a liquid solvent trap. By studying the effect of time of extraction versus recovery of drug, the liquid trap was shown to be inadequate. Further studies implemented the extraction of xenalipin from a filter paper matrix and the use of solid phase traps. This method of inquiry was use to evaluate the degree of recovery as related to the parameters of CO₂ density, extraction time, and flow rates of CO₂. After achieving quantitative extraction of xenalipin from filter these parameters were transferred to the animal feed matrix. The animal feed matrix was prepared using three different methods. Each matrix was evaluated for homogeneity of sample and ability to achieve quantitative extraction. / Master of Science

The extraction of fifteen (15) polymer additives with supercritical carbon dioxide which are used as antioxidants, uv stabilizers, process lubes, flame retardants and antistats from eight formulations of polystyrene is demonstrated and compared to traditional dissolution/precipitation extractions. The purpose of the study was twofold: 1) the development of a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method(s) for the additives and 2) the determination of the viability of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) for the additives from polystyrene. Separation of some of the additives was achieved using reversed phase liquid chromatography. Nine of the additives were assayed in this manner while, the remaining six additives could not be assayed using reversed phase liquid chromatography. In order to develop an extraction method for the additives, the effects of static extraction time, CO2 density, and temperature were first investigated. These preliminary extractions revealed that a static extraction period which afforded an opportunity for the polymer to swell combined with a high CO2 density and extraction temperature above the glass transition (Tg) yielded quantitative recoveries of the additives. Triplicate extractions of the various polystyrene formulations matched additive recoveries obtained by the traditional dissolution/precipitation method. / Master of Science

Phospholipids are commonly found in biological membranes. They have a polar head group and two ester linked fatty acids tails. Different methods such as thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet, refractive index, flame ionization detector, and mass spectrometry (MS) detection have long been used in the study of phospholipids. These methods were time-consuming and lacked quantitative accuracy. In this work, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine have been studied by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) and mass spectrometry (MS). Four different silica-based stationary phases were studied: 2-ethylpyridine, 4-ethylpyridine, diol and conventional cyanopropyl. The influence of different mobile phase additives on the elution of phospholipids has been studied. The results have shown that isopropylamine is a better additive compared with ammonium acetate, tetrabutyl-ammonium acetate, and trifluoroacetic acid for the elution of phospholipids. All phospholipids have been eluted with baseline separation in less than 15 minutes although there is some partial overlap on the pyridine columns. The second goal for this work was fractionation of phospholipids from lecithin (a by-product from soybean) by using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with methanol-modified CO2. Neutral lipids were first removed from the crude sample using pure CO2. Partrial fractionation of PE and nearly pure fractionated PC were obtained by varying the modifier concentration in the extraction fluid at 460 atm and 40oC with silica gel inside the extraction vessel. A total of six components were isolated from crude soybean lecithin. / Master of Science

Este projeto de pesquisa, com o apoio dos pequenos produtores de café do Estado de São Paulo/Brasil, visou estudar e caracterizar o óleo de grãos de café verde obtido pela extração supercrítica e extração com fluido pressurizado. Foi feita a caracterização deste produto, considerando os componentes minoritários com atividade biológica demonstrada na literatura, como os componentes fenólicos e os diterpenos cafestol e kahweol. Com o objetivo de obter o óleo de café verde enriquecido, principalmente nestes dois principais diterpenos, componentes relevantes para as indústrias cosmética e farmacêutica, aplicaram-se como inovação tecnológica a extração supercrítica (SFE) e extração com fluido pressurizado (PFE). Os ensaios de extração foram realizados no Laboratório a Alta Pressão e Produtos Naturais (FZEA/USP/Brasil) para as SFE e no Laboratoire de Procédés (IUT/Université d\'Orléans/França) para PFE. No desenvolvimento da metodologia de análise dos diterpenos foram realizados estudos do método de saponificação do óleo de café verde Arabica (Coffea arabica) cv. Catuaí amarelo, obtido por prensagem (OP). E, concomitantemente a este estudo analítico, foram feitas as extrações do óleo dos mesmos grãos de café verde via SFE e PFE. Os diferentes óleos de grãos de café verde, obtidos pelos três métodos de extração foram analisados e comparados entre si considerando principalmente a concentração dos diterpenos. A metodologia analítica desenvolvida na primeira fase do trabalho constatou que para uma melhor análise dos diterpenos a reação de saponificação deve ser feita utilizando NaOH e a 70 °C. A fração insaponificável foi analisada para os diferentes extratos. Para os extratos obtidos via SFE, a cafeína teve que ser separada do óleo. A análise de quantificação dos diterpenos via cromatografia gasosa, utilizando o próprio cafestol e kahweol como padrão externo, indicou que o óleo obtido por SFE apresentou 50.180,41 mg cafestol/kg óleo e 63.764,32 mg kahweol/kg óleo na condição otimizada. Para a PFE as concentrações máximas obtidas foram de 65.876,29 mg cafestol/kg óleo e 53.328,47 mg kahweol/kg óleo e, no óleo de café verde obtido pelo método convencional a concentração dos diterpenos mostrou-se inferior com 7.508 mg cafestol/kg óleo e 12.822 mg kahweol/kg óleo. As propriedades físicas medidas visando a caracterização do óleo dos grãos de café verde obtido por SFE e prensagem dos grãos indicaram que tanto a densidade quanto a viscosidade diminuem com o aumento da temperatura. Para ambos os óleos, os comportamento da densidade foi semelhante, para aquele obtido pelo método convencional, os valores variaram de 0,94177 g/cm3 (25 °C) a 0,92143 g/cm3 (55 °C) e para o óleo obtido por SFE a variação foi de 0,93645 g/cm3 (25 °C) a 0,9157 g/cm3 (55 °C). A viscosidade dinâmica para o óleo obtido por prensagem variou de 127,8798 mPa×s (25 °C) a 35,0510 mPa×s (55 °C) e, para o óleo obtido por SFE, estes valores foram menores, entre 84,0411 mPa×s (25 °C) e 24,2555 mPa×s (55 °C). O índice de refração para ambos os óleos foi semelhante. Na extração com fluido pressurizado, (PFE), um valor ótimo de rendimento do extrato foi obtido quando se empregou metanol como solvente para uma temperatura de 100 °C e tempo de equilíbrio estático de 20 min. Este valor foi 183% superior a media dos resultados obtidos nos outros ensaios. Na concentração de diterpenos nestes extratos, nota-se também que o etanol foi menos eficiente que o metanol. Na comparação dos dois processos inovadores (SFE e PFE), a concentração de kahweol apresenta-se como o principal componente em quase todos os ensaios, com valores da relação cafestol/kahweol entre 0,73 e 0,96. No entanto, ao ser analisado o processo individualmente, percebe-se que a extração com fluido supercrítico indica que a maioria dos extratos obtidos teve uma concentração de kahweol superior ao cafestol. / This research project, with the support of small coffee producers in the State of São Paulo/Brazil, aimed to study and characterize the green coffee oil obtained by the supercritical fluid extraction and pressurized fluid extraction. Was made to characterize this authentic product, considering the minor components with biological activity demonstrated in the literature, such as phenolic compounds and diterpenes cafestol and kahweol. In order to get the green coffee oil enriched, mainly in these two major diterpenos, components relevant to cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, applied technological innovation as the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and pressurized fluid extraction (PFE). The extraction tests were performed at the High Pressure Laboratory and Natural Products (FZEA/USP/Brazil) for SFE and the Laboratoire de Procédés (IUT/Université d\' Orléans/France) for PFE. In the development of methodology for analyzing diterpenes were conducted studies on the method of saponification of the green oil Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) cv. yellow Catuaí, obtained by pressing (OP). And, concomitantly this analytical study were extracted from the oil of the same green coffee beans by SFE and PFE. Different green coffee beans oils, obtained by the three extraction methods were analyzed and compared with each other considering mainly the concentration of diterpenes. The analytical methodology developed in the first phase of the work found that for a better analysis of the diterpenes saponification reaction must be made using NaOH and 70 °C. The unsaponifiable fraction was analyzed for the different extracts. Specifically for extracts obtained by SFE, caffeine had to be separated from the oil. The analysis and quantification of diterpenes made by gas chromatography, using himself as cafestol and kahweol external standard, indicated that the oil obtained by SFE showed cafestol 50,180.41 mg/kg oil and kahweol 63,764.32 mg/kg oil in optimal condition. For the PFE maximum concentrations were obtained cafestol 65,876.29 mg/kg oil and kahweol 53,328.47 mg/kg oil and the green coffee oil obtained by the conventional method the concentration of diterpenes was lower than with 7,508 mg cafestol/kg oil kahweol and 12,822 mg/kg oil. The physical measures for the characterization of oil from green coffee beans obtained by SFE and pressing the grains indicated that both the density and the viscosity decrease with increasing temperature. For both oils, the density behavior was similar, to that obtained by the conventional method, the values ranged from 0.94177 g/cm3 (25 °C) to 0.92143 g/cm3 (55 °C) and the oil obtained by the SFE variation was 0.93645 g/cm3 (25 °C) to 0.9157 g/cm3 (55 °C). The dynamic viscosity for the oil obtained by pressing ranged from 127.8798 mPa×s (25 °C) to 35.0510 mPa×s (55 °C) and the oil obtained by SFE, these values were lower, between 84.0411 mPa×s (25 °C) and 24.2555 mPa×s (55 °C). The index of refraction for both oils was similar. In the extraction pressure, (PFE), an optimal value of the extract yield was obtained when methanol was used as solvent at a temperature of 100 °C and static equilibrium time of 20 min. This value was 183% above the average of the results obtained in other tests. At the concentration of these diterpenes extracts, note also that the ethanol was less effective than methanol. In comparing the two innovative processes (SFE and PFE), the concentration of kahweol presents itself as the main component in almost all tests, compared with values of cafestol/kahweol between 0.73 and 0.96. However, the process to be analyzed individually, it is clear that the supercritical fluid extraction indicates that most of the extracts had a concentration higher of kahweol than cafestol.

Este projeto de pesquisa, com o apoio dos pequenos produtores de café do Estado de São Paulo/Brasil, visou estudar e caracterizar o óleo de grãos de café verde obtido pela extração supercrítica e extração com fluido pressurizado. Foi feita a caracterização deste produto, considerando os componentes minoritários com atividade biológica demonstrada na literatura, como os componentes fenólicos e os diterpenos cafestol e kahweol. Com o objetivo de obter o óleo de café verde enriquecido, principalmente nestes dois principais diterpenos, componentes relevantes para as indústrias cosmética e farmacêutica, aplicaram-se como inovação tecnológica a extração supercrítica (SFE) e extração com fluido pressurizado (PFE). Os ensaios de extração foram realizados no Laboratório a Alta Pressão e Produtos Naturais (FZEA/USP/Brasil) para as SFE e no Laboratoire de Procédés (IUT/Université d\'Orléans/França) para PFE. No desenvolvimento da metodologia de análise dos diterpenos foram realizados estudos do método de saponificação do óleo de café verde Arabica (Coffea arabica) cv. Catuaí amarelo, obtido por prensagem (OP). E, concomitantemente a este estudo analítico, foram feitas as extrações do óleo dos mesmos grãos de café verde via SFE e PFE. Os diferentes óleos de grãos de café verde, obtidos pelos três métodos de extração foram analisados e comparados entre si considerando principalmente a concentração dos diterpenos. A metodologia analítica desenvolvida na primeira fase do trabalho constatou que para uma melhor análise dos diterpenos a reação de saponificação deve ser feita utilizando NaOH e a 70 °C. A fração insaponificável foi analisada para os diferentes extratos. Para os extratos obtidos via SFE, a cafeína teve que ser separada do óleo. A análise de quantificação dos diterpenos via cromatografia gasosa, utilizando o próprio cafestol e kahweol como padrão externo, indicou que o óleo obtido por SFE apresentou 50.180,41 mg cafestol/kg óleo e 63.764,32 mg kahweol/kg óleo na condição otimizada. Para a PFE as concentrações máximas obtidas foram de 65.876,29 mg cafestol/kg óleo e 53.328,47 mg kahweol/kg óleo e, no óleo de café verde obtido pelo método convencional a concentração dos diterpenos mostrou-se inferior com 7.508 mg cafestol/kg óleo e 12.822 mg kahweol/kg óleo. As propriedades físicas medidas visando a caracterização do óleo dos grãos de café verde obtido por SFE e prensagem dos grãos indicaram que tanto a densidade quanto a viscosidade diminuem com o aumento da temperatura. Para ambos os óleos, os comportamento da densidade foi semelhante, para aquele obtido pelo método convencional, os valores variaram de 0,94177 g/cm3 (25 °C) a 0,92143 g/cm3 (55 °C) e para o óleo obtido por SFE a variação foi de 0,93645 g/cm3 (25 °C) a 0,9157 g/cm3 (55 °C). A viscosidade dinâmica para o óleo obtido por prensagem variou de 127,8798 mPa×s (25 °C) a 35,0510 mPa×s (55 °C) e, para o óleo obtido por SFE, estes valores foram menores, entre 84,0411 mPa×s (25 °C) e 24,2555 mPa×s (55 °C). O índice de refração para ambos os óleos foi semelhante. Na extração com fluido pressurizado, (PFE), um valor ótimo de rendimento do extrato foi obtido quando se empregou metanol como solvente para uma temperatura de 100 °C e tempo de equilíbrio estático de 20 min. Este valor foi 183% superior a media dos resultados obtidos nos outros ensaios. Na concentração de diterpenos nestes extratos, nota-se também que o etanol foi menos eficiente que o metanol. Na comparação dos dois processos inovadores (SFE e PFE), a concentração de kahweol apresenta-se como o principal componente em quase todos os ensaios, com valores da relação cafestol/kahweol entre 0,73 e 0,96. No entanto, ao ser analisado o processo individualmente, percebe-se que a extração com fluido supercrítico indica que a maioria dos extratos obtidos teve uma concentração de kahweol superior ao cafestol. / This research project, with the support of small coffee producers in the State of São Paulo/Brazil, aimed to study and characterize the green coffee oil obtained by the supercritical fluid extraction and pressurized fluid extraction. Was made to characterize this authentic product, considering the minor components with biological activity demonstrated in the literature, such as phenolic compounds and diterpenes cafestol and kahweol. In order to get the green coffee oil enriched, mainly in these two major diterpenos, components relevant to cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, applied technological innovation as the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and pressurized fluid extraction (PFE). The extraction tests were performed at the High Pressure Laboratory and Natural Products (FZEA/USP/Brazil) for SFE and the Laboratoire de Procédés (IUT/Université d\' Orléans/France) for PFE. In the development of methodology for analyzing diterpenes were conducted studies on the method of saponification of the green oil Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) cv. yellow Catuaí, obtained by pressing (OP). And, concomitantly this analytical study were extracted from the oil of the same green coffee beans by SFE and PFE. Different green coffee beans oils, obtained by the three extraction methods were analyzed and compared with each other considering mainly the concentration of diterpenes. The analytical methodology developed in the first phase of the work found that for a better analysis of the diterpenes saponification reaction must be made using NaOH and 70 °C. The unsaponifiable fraction was analyzed for the different extracts. Specifically for extracts obtained by SFE, caffeine had to be separated from the oil. The analysis and quantification of diterpenes made by gas chromatography, using himself as cafestol and kahweol external standard, indicated that the oil obtained by SFE showed cafestol 50,180.41 mg/kg oil and kahweol 63,764.32 mg/kg oil in optimal condition. For the PFE maximum concentrations were obtained cafestol 65,876.29 mg/kg oil and kahweol 53,328.47 mg/kg oil and the green coffee oil obtained by the conventional method the concentration of diterpenes was lower than with 7,508 mg cafestol/kg oil kahweol and 12,822 mg/kg oil. The physical measures for the characterization of oil from green coffee beans obtained by SFE and pressing the grains indicated that both the density and the viscosity decrease with increasing temperature. For both oils, the density behavior was similar, to that obtained by the conventional method, the values ranged from 0.94177 g/cm3 (25 °C) to 0.92143 g/cm3 (55 °C) and the oil obtained by the SFE variation was 0.93645 g/cm3 (25 °C) to 0.9157 g/cm3 (55 °C). The dynamic viscosity for the oil obtained by pressing ranged from 127.8798 mPa×s (25 °C) to 35.0510 mPa×s (55 °C) and the oil obtained by SFE, these values were lower, between 84.0411 mPa×s (25 °C) and 24.2555 mPa×s (55 °C). The index of refraction for both oils was similar. In the extraction pressure, (PFE), an optimal value of the extract yield was obtained when methanol was used as solvent at a temperature of 100 °C and static equilibrium time of 20 min. This value was 183% above the average of the results obtained in other tests. At the concentration of these diterpenes extracts, note also that the ethanol was less effective than methanol. In comparing the two innovative processes (SFE and PFE), the concentration of kahweol presents itself as the main component in almost all tests, compared with values of cafestol/kahweol between 0.73 and 0.96. However, the process to be analyzed individually, it is clear that the supercritical fluid extraction indicates that most of the extracts had a concentration higher of kahweol than cafestol.

With current energy demands globally and locally, nuclear energy remains one of the top competitors for cleaner and sustainable energy. The nuclear industry requires more inherent safety and proliferation resistance in reactor design. Thorium has therefore been identified as a possible fuel for future nuclear reactors that can comply with these requirements. However current extraction techniques are expensive, time consuming and generate large quantities of hazardous waste. A possible alternative to conventional solvent extraction of thorium is SFE (Supercritical Fluid Extraction). A monazite sample from the Steenkampskraal mine was investigated using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analysis methods to determine the distribution of thorium in the grains that could potentially complicate the effectiveness of the SFE extraction method if zoning is present. The results show a homogeneous distribution with no discernable zonation in the grains. The concentration of Th, Ce and Nd was determined by quantitative MPA (Micro Probe Analysis). The results obtained from the MPA point analysis on several grains show average Th, Ce and Nd concentrations of 6.5 wt. %, 24.1 wt. % and 9.7 wt. % respectively. The extraction of Th+4 from a filter paper was conducted to verify the extraction procedure and extractability of transition elements employing SFE. The extraction was conducted using supercritical CO2 and methanol as co-solvent with TBP (Tributyl Phosphate) and HFA (Hexafluoroacetylacetone) added in situ as chelates. ICP-MS results for the Th+4 extraction procedure showed extraction efficiency of 53 % compared to 83 % in literature (Kumar et al. 2009). This marked difference in extraction efficiency is attributed to ineffective trapping methods employed and lack of prior maintenance and support on the extraction apparatus. Subsequently all further extracted samples of Th from monazite were tested using XRF analysis methods. Due to the lack of prior maintenance on the extraction apparatus several technical breakdowns were encountered and addressed from a mechanical engineering standpoint. The operational effectiveness of the modified apparatus was verified through the extraction of marula seed oil and compared with another supercritical fluid (SF) extractor to show 50 % extraction efficiency in each case. A review of the literature indicated that the crystal chemical requirements for substitution of trivalent (Ce+3) for tetravalent (Th+4) may be fulfilled during SFE processes. Experimental substitution extractions were conducted by addition of different chelates and were conducted by subjecting the monazite samples to 20 MPa pressure for 180 min static flow and 10 min continuous flow extraction times with a CO2 flow rate of 2 mL/min with 10 % co-solvent flow rate. The results of the two sets of substitution extractions namely α and β show no clear indication of Th extraction. The maximum theoretical efficiency obtainable under current extraction equipment limitations was calculated as 12%. The XRF analysis error margin was given by the analytical laboratory as 10 %. The literature has shown the substitution of trivalent cations for tetravalent cations in the monazite structure to be a valid reaction mechanism. The experimental results showed little or no success in extracting thorium from monazite. In order to prove the practical feasibility of thorium extraction several changes to the experimental operating conditions is required. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

With current energy demands globally and locally, nuclear energy remains one of the top competitors for cleaner and sustainable energy. The nuclear industry requires more inherent safety and proliferation resistance in reactor design. Thorium has therefore been identified as a possible fuel for future nuclear reactors that can comply with these requirements. However current extraction techniques are expensive, time consuming and generate large quantities of hazardous waste. A possible alternative to conventional solvent extraction of thorium is SFE (Supercritical Fluid Extraction). A monazite sample from the Steenkampskraal mine was investigated using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analysis methods to determine the distribution of thorium in the grains that could potentially complicate the effectiveness of the SFE extraction method if zoning is present. The results show a homogeneous distribution with no discernable zonation in the grains. The concentration of Th, Ce and Nd was determined by quantitative MPA (Micro Probe Analysis). The results obtained from the MPA point analysis on several grains show average Th, Ce and Nd concentrations of 6.5 wt. %, 24.1 wt. % and 9.7 wt. % respectively. The extraction of Th+4 from a filter paper was conducted to verify the extraction procedure and extractability of transition elements employing SFE. The extraction was conducted using supercritical CO2 and methanol as co-solvent with TBP (Tributyl Phosphate) and HFA (Hexafluoroacetylacetone) added in situ as chelates. ICP-MS results for the Th+4 extraction procedure showed extraction efficiency of 53 % compared to 83 % in literature (Kumar et al. 2009). This marked difference in extraction efficiency is attributed to ineffective trapping methods employed and lack of prior maintenance and support on the extraction apparatus. Subsequently all further extracted samples of Th from monazite were tested using XRF analysis methods. Due to the lack of prior maintenance on the extraction apparatus several technical breakdowns were encountered and addressed from a mechanical engineering standpoint. The operational effectiveness of the modified apparatus was verified through the extraction of marula seed oil and compared with another supercritical fluid (SF) extractor to show 50 % extraction efficiency in each case. A review of the literature indicated that the crystal chemical requirements for substitution of trivalent (Ce+3) for tetravalent (Th+4) may be fulfilled during SFE processes. Experimental substitution extractions were conducted by addition of different chelates and were conducted by subjecting the monazite samples to 20 MPa pressure for 180 min static flow and 10 min continuous flow extraction times with a CO2 flow rate of 2 mL/min with 10 % co-solvent flow rate. The results of the two sets of substitution extractions namely α and β show no clear indication of Th extraction. The maximum theoretical efficiency obtainable under current extraction equipment limitations was calculated as 12%. The XRF analysis error margin was given by the analytical laboratory as 10 %. The literature has shown the substitution of trivalent cations for tetravalent cations in the monazite structure to be a valid reaction mechanism. The experimental results showed little or no success in extracting thorium from monazite. In order to prove the practical feasibility of thorium extraction several changes to the experimental operating conditions is required. / MIng (Mechanical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this study the deoiling and fractionation of paraffin wax using supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE) has been investigated. SCFE was compared with state-of-the-art processes such as wax crystallisation, static crystallisation and short path distillation. Ethane and carbon dioxide were investigated as supercritical solvents for the supercritical fluid extraction of paraffin wax. Supercritical phase equilibrium data for ethane - n-alkane and CO2 - n-alkane systems close to the mixture critical region were obtained from the literature, and were correlated with several equations of state. Statistical mechanical equations of state failed to correlate the data close to the mixture critical region due to the neglect of density fluctuations which influences phase behaviour close to critical points, or due to inadequate mixing rules. It was found that simple cubic equations of state such as Soave-Redlich-Kwong, Peng-Robinson and Patel-Teja could correlate the data using two interaction parameters. This can be attributed more to their flexibility as correlating tools than to their fundamental accuracy. The Patel-Teja EOS was modified by fitting it to predict low vapour pressure data for long-chain n-alkanes. This modified Patel-Teja EOS was then fitted to the phase equilibria by adjusting two interaction parameters per binary system. The interaction parameters for each solvent (ethane or CO2) system were then fitted to generalised correlations to enable extrapolation to solvent - n-alkane systems for which no equilibrium data were available. The Simplified Perturbed Hardchain theory (SPHC) equation of state was used to correlate lower-pressure solubility data used to model the extract separator. A pilot plant SCFE unit was constructed and used to obtain experimental fractionation data of a low-molecular weight Fischer-Tropsch wax. The experimental results indicate that fractionation of the wax is possible and that the separation efficiency is enhanced by returning some of the extract to the column as reflux. An equilibrium stage model was constructed and used to simulate the extraction experiments. It was possible to obtain good agreement between the experimental results and model predictions. Deoiling of petroleum waxes with a low n-paraffin content (which are not currently deoiled commercially) was investigated. Experimental SCFE and SPD results indicated that selective deoiling is not possible, since the separation is based on differences in molecular weight (or vapour pressure). Simulations of wax crystallisation or solvent extraction and practical tests indicate that deoiling is possible, based on differences in structure and therefore melting point of the components in the wax. Practical problems associated with crystallisation or solvent extraction such as filtration, the use of chlorinated solvents and low yields currently prevent the commercial deoiling of these waxes. During crystallisation of these waxes a soft wax cake is formed which impedes the operation of static crystallisation. A detailed study of the economics of n-paraffin wax deoiling using SCFE was conducted. Flow sheets were proposed to minimise the energy consumption of the SCFE process. Comparison of SPD, static crystallisation and SCFE indicates that a SPD plant will be the cheapest option for deoiling the wax feed investigated. Fractionation of heavier waxes using SPD might not be economically feasible, since the distillation temperature increases dramatically with increasing molecular weight, which leads to higher energy cost. For medium to long chain n-paraffin waxes SCFE should be very competitive, since the capacity of the supercritical solvent can be manipulated to extract longer chain waxes without increasing the extraction temperature. Static crystallisation appears to be the more expensive deoiling option, due primarily to the large initial capital investment cost. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die olieverwydering en fraksionering van paraffienwasse met behulp van superkritiese ekstraksie is in hierdie studie ondersoek. Die modellering van moderne olieverwyderings- en fraksioneringsmetodes soos waskristallisasie, statiese kristallisasie en kortpad distillasie is ook ondersoek. Etaan en koolstofdioksied is ondersoek as superkritiese oplosmiddels vir die superkritiese ekstraksie van paraffienwasse. Literatuurdata van superkritiese fase-ewewigte vir etaan - n-alkaan en CO2 - n-alkaan stelsels naby die mengselkritiese punt is versamel en gekorreleer met verskeie toestandsvergelykings. Statisities-meganiese toestandsvergelykings kon nie data naby mengselkritiese punte korreleer nie, moontlik weens digtheidsvariasies wat afwykings van klassieke gedrag teweegbring, of onakkurate mengreëls. Eenvoudige kubiese toestandsvergelykings soos Soave-Redlich-Kwong, Peng-Robinson en Patel-Teja kon op die ewewigsdata gepas word deur gebruik van twee interaksieparameters. Dit kan eerder toegeskryf word aan hulle buigsaamheid eerder as hulle fundamentele akkuraatheid. Die Patel-Teja toestandsvergelyking is gemodifiseer deur dit te pas op lae dampdruk data van langketting n-alkane. Hierdie gemodifiseerde toestandsvergelyking is gepas op die fase-ewewig data deur twee interaksieparameters te gebruik per binêre sisteem. Die interaksieparameters vir die oplosmiddel stelsels (etaan of CO2) is gekorreleer met algemene vergelykings sodat dit vir ekstrapolasie na oplosmiddel - n-alkaan stelsels gebruik kan word waarvoor ewewigsdata nie beskikbaar is nie. Die "Simplified Perturbed Hardchain" teorie (SPHC) toestandsvergelyking is gebruik om laer druk oplosbaarheidsdata te korreleer vir gebruik in die modellering van die ekstrak skeier. In Superkritiese ekstraksie loodsaanleg is gebou en gebruik om eksperimentele fraksioneringsdata van 'n lae molekulêre massa Fischer- Tropsch was te genereer. Vanaf die eksperimentele resultate blyk fraksionering van was moontlik te wees. Die doeltreffendheid van die skeiding kan verhoog word deur terugvloei van ekstrak na die kolom. 'n Ewewigsmodel is opgestel en gebruik om die ekstraksie eksperimente te modelleer. Deur die ekstraksiedruk en aantal stadia te verander kon goeie ooreenstemming met eksperimentele resultate verkry word. Die verwydering van olie uit petroleumwasse met In lae n-paraffien inhoud (wat nie tans kommersiëel ontolie word nie) is ondersoek. Eksperimentele resultate vir superkritiese ekstraksie en kortpad distillasie dui daarop dat selektiewe olieverwydering nie moontlik is nie, omdat die skeiding gebaseer is op verskille in molekulêre massas en dus (of dampdrukke). Simulasies van waskristallisasie dui op die moontlikheid van olieverwydering gebaseer op verskille in strukture van die komponente in die was. Praktiese probleme geassosieer met kristallisasie of oplosmiddel ekstraksie soos filtrasie, lae opbrengste en gebruik van gechlorineerde koolwaterstowwe as oplosmiddel belemmer die kommersialisering van olieverwydering vir hierdie tipes wasse. 'n Gedetaileerde studie van die ekonomiese lewensvatbaarheid van superkritiese olieverwydering is uitgevoer. Vloeidiagramme is voorgestelom die energieverbruik van die superkritiese ekstraksieproses te minimeer. Vergelyking van kortpad distillasie, statiese kristallisasie en superkritiese ekstraksie dui daarop dat kortpad distillasie die goedkoper opsie vir die olieverwydering van die spesifieke was is. Fraksionering van swaarder wasse met kortpad distillasie sal moontlik nie haalbaar wees nie omdat die distillasietemperatuur drasties toeneem met molekulêre massa. Die skeiding van medium tot langketting wasse met superkritiese ekstraksie behoort meer mededingend te wees, want die kapasiteit van die superkritiese oplosmiddel kan maklik verstel word om langer kettinglengtes wasse te ekstraeer sonder om die temperatuur te verhoog. Statiese kristallisasie blyk die duurder olieverwyderingsopsie te wees hoofsaaklik weens die hoë kapitaalkoste van so 'n aanleg.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Long-chain hydrocarbons are of value to numerous lucrative industries. Due to the low volatility and close melting and boiling points of these solutes, traditional fractionation methods lack the required selectivity for separation and cause thermal degradation of the product. This project investigates the feasibility of Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) for processing these systems, with the primary objective of modelling the high-pressure vapour-liquid equilibrium (VLE) properties of hydrocarbon solutes with a light-weight solvent using a semiempirical equation of state (EOS). Pure component vapour pressures and saturated liquid volumes are also investigated. A thorough investigation into the phase behaviour of the n-alkanes, 1-alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters in light weight supercritical solvents CO2, ethane and propane revealed that the solute structure and temperature largely influence the solute solubility and process feasibility. Good selectivity amongst the various solutes was observed for all three solvents, but very high pressures were required for complete miscibility using CO2 (exceeding 30 MPa). The quadrapole moment of CO2 further leads to complexities in phase behaviour such as temperature and density inversions (CO2/alkanes and CO2/alcohols) and 3-phase regions within the operating range. Simple linear trends in pressure vs. carbon number and temperature were observed for all the considered series using ethane and propane and these solvents were thus selected for conducting the modelling for this study. A thorough review of semi-emperical EOS models from literature revealed that the simple cubic equations of state (CEOSs) provide a promising modelling approach for SFE applications due to their simplicity, flexibility and reliability. The simple Peng-Robinson (PR) and Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK) EOSs provide good correlation of vapour pressure (%AAD below 5 %) for all the series over a large carbon number range (up to nC20), provided a two parameter alpha function is used. A 3rd parameter in the volume dependence for Patel-Teja (PT) EOS provides considerable improvement over the PR and SRK EOSs for satureate liquid volume correlations of the non-polar solutes (alkanes and esters), but offers virtually no advantage for the more polar alcohols and acids. The CEOSs therefore suffer clear limitations in simultaneous representation of these saturation properties (vapour pressure and liquid molar volume) for the systems of interest. Good correlations of high pressure binary VLE data were obtained using CEOSs available in the Aspen Plus ® simulator (% AAD in P, T and X2 generally below 1 % and ranging from 4 to 12 % for Y2 for all series) provided that two binary interaction parameters (BIPs) are used in the model mixing rules, irrespective of the model used. Aspen Plus ® was further validated as a reliable thermodynamic tool by comparing model fits using the RK-ASPEN model with parameters obtained from the Aspen Plus ® data regression routine and computational methods used in self-developed MATLAB software. Very similar results were obtained for both computational methods, which encourages the use of Aspen Plus ® for process modelling in SFE applications. A statistical sensitivity analysis into the relative effect and interactions between 6 modelling factors in applying the CEOSs revealed that the mixing rules, temperature and solute structure had the largest effect on the correlation of the high pressure VLE, with the pure component limit having negligible effect once BIPs are fitted to data. A significant interaction was, however, observed between the pure component model and the solute structure and temperature, which suggest that accurate correlation of mixture VLE does not solely rely on appropriate mixing rule selection, but also the pure model. Binary interaction parameters (BIPs) in model mixing rules were found to become intercorrelated when more than one are used, greatly impeding the development of generalized correlations. BIPs were also found to be sensitive to the pure component limit (alpha function and pure constants used), the temperature, the combining rules used and possibly the fluid density. These factors should all be taken into account systematically for developing generalized correlations which therefore fell outside the scope of this study. Recommendations were, however, made on how the MATLAB software developed in this study can be used to both expand the size of the statistical analysis already conducted into relevant modelling factors and to develop new generalized correlations for BIPs and new mixing rules. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Lang-ketting koolwaterstowwe is van waarde in talle winsgewende industriële toepassings. Vanweë die lae vlugbaarheiden ooreenstemmende kook- en smeltpunte van hierdie molekules, toon tradisionele fraktioneringsmetodes nie die nodige selektiwiteit vir ekstraksie nie en veroorsaak bonop termiese degradering van die produk. Hierdie projek ondersoek dus die lewensvatbaarheid van superkritiese ekstraksie vir die prosesering van hierdie sisteme, met primêre fokus op die modellering van die hoë-druk damp-vloeistof ewewig eienskappe van koolwaterstowwe opgelos in ‘n lae-massa oplosmiddel met gebruik van ‘n semi-empiriese toestandsvergelyking. Suiwer-komponent dampdrukke en versadigde vloeistof volumes word ook ondersoek. ‘n Deeglike ondersoek na die fasegedrag van die n-alkane, 1-alkohole, korboksiel-sure asook esters in lae-massa superkritiese oplosmidds CO2, etaan en propaan toon dat die struktuur van die opgeloste stof en die temperatuur ‘n groot invloed het op die oplosbaarheid en proses lewensvatbaarheid. Goeie selektiwiteit tussen die verskillende koolwaterstowwe was waargeneem vir al drie oplosmiddels, alhoewel baie hoë drukke nodig was vir totale vermenging van die fases in CO2 (hoër as 30 MPa). Die quadrupool moment van CO2 veroorsaak verder ongewenste kompleksiteite in fase gedrag soos temperatuuren digtheid inversies (CO2/alkane en CO2/alkohole) en 3-fase-gebiede in die bedryfs-kondisies. Eenvoudige lineêre tendense in druk tenoor die koolstofnommer van die opgeloste stof asook die temperatuur was waargeneem vir al die ondersoekte koolwaterstof reekse in etaan en propaan en hierdie oplosmiddels was dus gekies vir die modellering vir hierdie studie. 'n Deeglike oorsig van semi-empiriese toestandsvergelykings uit die literatuur het getoon dat die eenvoudige kubiese toestandsvergelykings ‘n belowende modelleringsbenadering bied vir superkritiese ekstraksie toepassings vanweë hul eenvoudigeid, buigsaamheid enbetroubaarheid. Die eenvoudige Peng-Robinson (PR) en Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK) toestandsvergelykings bied goeie korrelasie van suiwer dampdruk (foute laer as 5 %) vir alle koolwaterstowwe oor ‘n groot koolstofnommer gebied (tot by nC20), met die voorwaarde dat ‘n 2 parameter alpha funksie gebruik word. ‘n 3rde parameter in die volume afhanklikheid van die Patel-Teja (PT) toestandsvergelyking bied ‘n beduidende verbetering in die passing van die versadigde vloeistof volume vir die nie-polêre koolwaterstowwe (n-alkane en die esters), maar bied geen voordeel vir die meer polêre alkohole en karkoksiel sure nie. Die kubiese modelle toon dus duidelike beperkings vir die gelyktydige voorstelling van hierdie versadigingde eienskappe (dampdruk en vloeistof volume) vir die sisteme van belang. Goeie korrelasie van hoë druk binêre damp-vloeistof ewewig data was verkry deur gebruik van die kubiese toestandsvergelykings beskikbaar inAspen Plus ® (fout in P, T en X2 tipies laer as 1 % en van 4 tot 12 % vir Y2 vir alle sisteme), met die voorwaarde dat 2 binêre interaksie parameters gebuik word in die model mengreëls, onafhanklik van die model. Aspen Plus ® was verder bekraktig as ‘n betroubare termodinamiese hulpmiddel deur model passings te vergelyk met die RK-ASPEN model tussen gevalle waar parameters verkry is deur die beskikbare regressie metode in Aspen Plus ® en metodes gebruik in self-ontwikkelde MATLAB sagteware. Eenderse resultate was verkry vir beide berekeningsmetodes, wat die gebruik van Aspen Plus ® vir prosesmodellering in superkritiese ekstrasie toepassings aanmoedig. ‘n Satistiese sensitiwiteits analise op die relatiewe effek en interaksies tussen 6 modelleringsfaktore in die toepassing van die kubiese toestandsvergelykings het gevind dat die mengreëls, temperatuur en die stuktuur van die opgeloste stof die grootste effek op die korrelasie van hoë druk binêre damp-vloeistof ewewig het, met ‘n weglaatbare effek vandie suiwerkomponent limiet waargeneem sodra binêre interaksie parameters gepas is aan data. ‘n Beduidende interaksie was wel waargeneem tussen die suiwerkomponent model en die struktuur van die opgeloste stof asook die temperatuur, wat daarop dui dat akurate korrelasie van mengsel damp-vloeistof ewewig nie slegs afhanklink is van ‘n gepaste keuse van mengreëls nie, maar ook die suiwer-komponent model. Binêre interaksie parameters in die model mengreëls ondergaan inter-korrelasie wanneer meer as een interaksie parameter gebruik word, wat die ontwikkeling van algemeen toepaslike korrelasies grotendeels belemmer. Binêre interaksie parameters was ook bevind om sensitief te wees tot die suiwer component limiet (alpha funksie en suiwer konstantes wat gebruik is), die temperatuur, die kombineringsreëls en moontlik die vloeistof digtheid. Hierdie faktore moet dus almal sistematies in ag geneem word wanneer algemeen toepaslike korrelasies ontwikkel word, wat dus buite die omvang van die huidge studie val. Aanbevelings was wel gemaak vir hoe die MATLAB sagteware ontwikkel vir hierdie studie gebruik kan word om beide die betaande statistiese analise uit te brei, asook nuwe korrelasies vir binêre interaksies parameters en nuwe mengreëls te ontwikkel.

Thesis (MScEng (Process Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / Current methods for wax fractionation result in products with large polydispersity, and due to the high temperatures required, thermal degradation of the wax is often incurred. The need for an alternative process thus exists. The purpose of this project is to investigate the technical viability of supercritical fluid processing as an alternative wax fractionation technology. The main aims of this project are to select a suitable supercritical solvent, to conduct binary phase equilibrium experiments, to determine if the process is technically viable and to investigate the ability of various equations of state to correlate the phase equilibrium data. Based on limited data from the literature, propane and a propane rich LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) were selected as suitable solvents. Literature data for propane and high molecular weight alkanes is scares and incomplete, thus necessitating experimental measurements. A phase equilibrium cell was designed, constructed and commissioned. The cell was designed for pressures up to 500 bar and temperatures to 200 oC, and with the aid of an endoscope, the phase transitions were detected visually. The measurements correspond well to literature values from reliable research groups. Phase equilibrium data sets for propane with nC32, nC36, nC38, nC40, nC44, nC46, nC54 and nC60 as well as LP Gas with nC36 were measured. At temperatures just above the melting point of the alkanes, the phase transition pressures can be considered to be moderate, which will positively impact the economics of the process. The phase transition pressure increases with increasing carbon number, the relationship being found to be linear when the pressure is plotted as a function of carbon number at constant mass fractions and temperature. The increase in phase transition pressure with increasing carbon number indicates that the solvent will be able to selectively fractionate the wax. At higher temperatures the gradient of the line is larger and may thus lead to improved selectivity. The higher temperatures will also lead to better mass transfer. The linear relationship indicates that limited extrapolation to higher carbon numbers may be possible. However, this needs to be verified experimentally. The inability to measure the critical point and vapour pressure curves of the higher molecular weight normal alkanes, as well as the inability of cubic equations of state to predict liquid volumes and to capture the chain specific effects such as internal rotations, results in cubic equations of state requiring large interaction parameters to fit the data. The alternative, statistical mechanical equations of state, have difficulty in predicting the critical point of the solvent correctly and thus overpredicts the mixture critical point, yet require smaller interaction parameters to fit the data. Further work is required to improve the predictability of these non-cubic equations of state. This project has proven that wax fractionation by supercritical extraction with propane is technically feasible.