(350f) Holistic Multi-Phase Processing of Natural Materials

A novel and green multi-fluid process for extraction and isolation of value added products from natural plants will be discussed. The process aims to remove components with different functional groups such as nutrients and anti-oxidants as well as utilize the residue beyond its heating value or energy conversion options. The solvents used are high pressure warm water and supercritical carbon dioxide while the plant used is acai berry. The extract fractionation beyond functional groups for isolation of chiral and isomers is part of extract removal component of the approach. The typical plant material residue options traditionally include its use as biomass. However, in this application residue is fermented for fruit wine. The pilot plant studies, product characterization, and process modeling using a flowsheet simulator illustrate the potential and flexibility of this dual green solvent process. The use of dual solvents multi-phase simultaneously where one is supercritical is a first in high pressure natural plant refining.