Supercritical fluid extraction technology (SCFE)
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The SCFE system is the modern technology of making oils and oleoresins through carbon-dioxide processing. This system provides a modern cost-effective technology for value addition in the processing of various agricultural commodities like spices. The CO2 extraction of essential oils utilises liquid carbon dioxide at low temperature (0 to + 10°C) and high pressure (8 to 80 atm) as a selective solvent.
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Under these conditions, CO2 liquifies to become a non-polar solvent which is odourless, tasteless, colourless, easily removed without residues and non-flammable. Selectivity is demonstrated by the extraction of the under-graded essential oil plus the lighter molecular weight fractions of the resin, imparting the character of an 'absolute' to the extract. The liquid and supercritical gaseous extraction of spices and other aromatic plants offers many interesting and novel products to the food product developer. This technology is preferred worldwide for commercial-scale extraction because it offers a:
Superior product
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Delicacy and freshness is close to natural
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High potency of active components
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Excellent blending characteristics
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Longer shelf life
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Free of biological contaminates
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Last modified: Monday, 18 June 2012, 6:52 AM
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