Author
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King, Jerry |
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Submitted to: Trends in Analytical Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 7/6/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is a technology that makes use of high pressure gases to remove desired components from a number of agriculturally-derived products and foodstuffs. We have applied this technology on several scales, ranging from small production plants to the extraction of trace toxicants from various foods. This has resulted in the construction of unique equipment that can be applied in both areas of endeavor, regardless of the size sample that is being processed (extracted). In this publication, we describe how devices originally designed for large scale extractions can be used or modified for analysis purposes. Among the equipment described are units that extract up to six samples simultaneously, allow the addition of a reactant to the compressed gas, and permit the trapping of volatile constituents in foods. However, the main advantage of employing this equipment is to permit the analyst (analytical chemist), to analyze larger, and more representative samples of agricultural products. The described research has aided the Food Safety & Inspection Service sector of USDA in the development of supercritical fluid-based analysis methodologies for the determination of the pesticide or fat content of meat products and has resulted in the further development of commercial instrumentation based on the above devices. Technical Abstract: Identical principles govern the theory and application of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), whether they are applied in the field of chemical engineering or analytical chemistry. We have used these principles to develop instrumentation and methodology that can be used to solve a wide range of analytical and laboratory problems. The development of larger scale extractors for analytical use will be presented, including modules which allow the extraction of larger samples, multiple samples simultaneously, and highly viscous materials. Key components in the design of these extractors, such as fluid delivery systems, collection devices, and cosolvent addition schemes will also be described. Finally, integration of this equipment and components into a laboratory-wide extraction and processing system will be noted. |
