Non-isothermal dynamic model of a supercritical fluid extraction packed column

A non-isothermal dynamic simulation model of a countercurrent supercritical fluid extraction column with structured packing is presented. The model incorporates momentum and energy balances in the packed bed. The two countercurrent fluid phases and the structured packing are assumed to be in local thermal equilibrium, a reasonable assumption given the high surface area of the packing. The dynamic model is validated by comparing predicted results with experimental data for the fractionation of the binary mixture squalene + methyl oleate with supercritical carbon dioxide. Good agreement is obtained between measured and predicted temperature and composition profiles of gas and liquid phases along the packed bed. The dynamic model is further employed to determine optimal extraction conditions that maximize squalene recovery subjected to purity constraints in the raffinate stream.