Integrated supercritical extraction and supercritical adsorption processes from passion fruit by-product: experimental and economic analyses

In this study, we evaluated the integration of supercritical extraction and supercritical adsorption processes (SESA) from passion fruit by-product (PFBP) for obtaining an extract containing tocol with a selective class of compounds. Extraction was performed at 40 degrees C, pressures of 25 and 35 MPa, and CO2 mass flow rate of 1.02 x 10(-4) kg/s. The supercritical adsorption column was filled with zeolites and operated next to the extractor at 40, 50, and 60 degrees C. The maximum content of tocols in the extract with selective class of compounds was obtained at the extractor pressure of 35 MPa and adsorption column temperature of 40 degrees C. We performed an economic analysis by testing 12 scenarios in terms of cost of manufacturing (COM) for two units with 1-L and 50-L extractor and an equivalent adsorber. We found that COM values range from 35 to 54 USD per kilogram of extract in a pilot scale plant of 50 L. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.