A UK first for supercritical fluid extraction

Citation

(1998), "A UK first for supercritical fluid extraction", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 45 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.1998.12845daa.002

A UK first for supercritical fluid extraction

A UK first for supercritical fluid extraction

Keywords Environmentally friendly, Fluid extraction

A breakthrough in supercritical fluid extraction capability has been announced by a University of Leeds "spin-off" company.

Express Separations Ltd is the first UK company able to offer the complete range of extraction facilities, from initial laboratory scale trials through to plant scale production.

The announcement affects many industries, including the metals processing and coatings industries.

Express Separations has been instrumental in the development of supercritical fluid techniques capable of removing metals from a variety of matrices through intermediary complex formation. This route enables several applications to be successfully accomplished, such as the separation of metals from ores or tailings and the removal of heavy metals from contaminated soil.

Most supercritical fluid applications use carbon dioxide because it provides cleaner extracts than other possible solvents and, in addition, leaves no trace contamination in the residue. Conventional extraction techniques use organic solvents that not only contaminate the extract, but are also themselves a major environmental hazard. The carbon dioxide used in supercritical fluid extraction is obtained as a by-product from fermentation and ammonia synthesis and does not add to the greenhouse effect. Furthermore, carbon dioxide is not broken down by radioactivity ­ a fact that has earned Express Separations a collaborative contract with BNFL, researching the possibility of decontaminating radioactive material.

"Supercritical techniques are increasingly being applied to new large-scale industrial processes, such as the production of powder coatings and structural polymers by the Ferro Corporation in the USA", says Professor Tony Clifford, technical director of Express Separations. "This has combined with the diversification of large engineering companies formerly heavily involved in the production of high pressure systems in petroleum and defence industries to reduce the capital cost of large-scale SF equipment."

"The desire of these companies to enter into the supercritical fluid capital equipment market reflects their positive assessment of both the long future and breadth of application of the process", he added.

After five years' extensive contract research and development experience, Express Separations Ltd is launching its own development programmes and additional industrial partners would be welcome. Companies requiring further information about supercritical fluid technology, or who wish to develop products or production routes can contact Peter Hammond, Commercial Director, Express Separations Ltd on +44 (0)113 233 6529, fax +44 (0)113 233 6490 or e-mail p.j.hammond@chem.leeds.ac.uk