Fluidekstraksjon

Fluidekstraksjon, often referred to as fluid extraction, is a process used to separate a desired component from a mixture by dissolving it in a solvent. This technique is widely employed in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food processing, and chemical manufacturing, for purification and isolation purposes. The fundamental principle relies on the difference in solubility of the target substance in the chosen solvent compared to other components in the mixture.

The process typically involves bringing the mixture into contact with a solvent in which the desired component is highly soluble. This allows the component to dissolve into the solvent, forming a solution. The undissolved or less soluble components remain separate. Following the dissolution, the liquid phase containing the extracted component, known as the extract, is separated from the remaining solid or liquid phase, called the raffinate. This separation can be achieved through various methods such as decantation, filtration, or centrifugation, depending on the physical state of the raffinate.

The choice of solvent is critical and depends on factors such as the solubility of the target compound, its chemical compatibility with the mixture, safety considerations, cost, and ease of removal after extraction. Common solvents include water, ethanol, hexane, and supercritical fluids like carbon dioxide. After the extraction, the solvent is usually removed from the extract, typically through evaporation or distillation, to obtain the purified component. Fluidekstraksjon is a versatile technique that can be performed in batch or continuous modes, offering scalability for industrial applications.