Counter Current Separations Using Supercritical Fluids

Applied Separations has constructed a unique counter current extraction column that uses supercritical carbon dioxide to fractionate components contained in a liquid. Counter current extraction using supercritical carbon dioxide is an alternative to conventional distillation and solvent extraction processes and offers the use of a “green solvent” with enhanced selectivity and mild operating conditions. Many applications of this technology are applicable to edible oils, including the removal of free fatty acids, separation of glycerides, and the removal of free fatty acid ethyl esters.

For more information about how supercritical fluids can improve your process, visit the Applied Separations website.

Aerogel Drying Software

Applied Separations, Inc. has developed new software to be used with its aerogel drying system. Complete automated control of conditions now ensures that the aerogel is free of defects usually associated with the drying process. The system dries silica aerogels as well as other inorganic and polymeric aerogels.

Click for more information about the aerogel drying system.

Environmentally Friendly Method of Drying Aerogels

Aerogels are highly porous materials with large internal surface area and large pore volumes. Their densities are as low as 3 kg/m3 and have porosities as high as 99.9%. This makes them excellent thermal insulators.

Although there are other types of aerogels, such as carbon and alumina, silica aerogels are the most common. They are made with a liquid alcohol like ethanol which is mixed with a silicon alkoxide precursor to form a silicon dioxide sol gel (silica gel). However, removing the aerogels from the solvent bath for common use can be problematic.

Since the structure is so fine, normal drying at atmosphere collapses the network rendering to dust. This is caused by normal capillary pressure at the liquid/vapor interface on the inside of the pore. The energy of vaporization is greater than the wall strength of the pore.

Because a supercritical fluid has no surface tension, it can be used to dry aerogels without consequence. The end result removes all liquid from the gel and replaces it with gas, without allowing the gel structure to collapse or lose volume.

For more information: http://appliedseparations.com/Supercritical/SCF_Uses/SCF_for_Aerogels.asp

Applied Separations Supports Supercritical Fluid Education

Applied Separations recently awarded their first annual Supercritical Fluid Education Grant to Dr. Joyce Easter of Virginia Wesleyan College. The award was presented at the American Chemical Society's Green Chem and Engineering Show in Washington, DC. News of the event was written up in the July/August edition of the ACS Nexus Newsletter.

Applied Separations is committed to green chemistry and practical scientific education. Applied Separations has committed to doing its part to assist colleges, universities and 2-year institutions in preparing their students for the scientific workplace of today and tomorrow by creating an annual Supercritical Fluid Education Grant. For more information about the program, visit the Applied Separations website.

Advanced Culinary Chemistry – Sizzles for the Summer - Activities - IYC 2011

Advanced Culinary Chemistry – Sizzles for the Summer - Activities - IYC 2011

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Supercritical Fluids Explained

Applied Separations' Rolf Schlake explains supercritical fluids, their history and uses, and their place in Green Chemistry for the audience at the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Conference.

Learn how to Green Your Process

Environmental and health issues have increased interest in green chemistry and supercritical fluids. The banning of more and more halogenated and petroleum-based solvents has made supercritical carbon dioxide the leading alternative. Applied Separations can help you “green” your process and drastically reduce hazardous solvent with an environmentally friendly supercritical fluid (SCF) system.

Applied Separations will be at the ACS Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, D.C. next week. Visit us and find out more about supercritical fluids.