Montagem, testes operacionais e validação de uma unidade laboratorial para extração de compostos de matrizes vegetais utilizando fluidos pressurizados ou supercríticos como solventes

Extractions of compounds still use traditional methods, leaving solvent residues in the extracts. An alternative is the use of high-pressure solvents such as supercritical CO2 and pressurized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Based on this context, the objective of this work was to assemble an equipment for high-pressure extractions using CO2 or pressurized LPG as solvent. The project and assembling were divided into 3 steps. In the first step, the equipment was designed. Also, aluminum bars, pipes, valves, pressure gauges, thermostatic baths, a pump for solvent pressurization, a digital temperature controller, a band heater and a reactor with filters were purchased. In the second step, some adaptations were done in the structure and its components for improving the operation. In the third step, the equipment was effectively assembled. Thereafter, operational validation tests were performed in order to verify the operation and the necessity of adjustments. In addition, a Standard Operating Procedure was created in order to standardize the next operations. The equipment is suitable for the extraction of bioactive compounds from different plant matrices, providing satisfactory extraction yields.