Scaling methodology for supercritical CO2 extraction process: applicability of the solvent-to-feed mass ratio criterion under different flow directions and extraction basket geometries
Abstract
This study investigates the applicability of the solvent-to-feed (S/F) mass ratio conservation criterion for scaling supercritical CO 2 extraction process using two extraction units with different extraction basket geometries (18 mL, L/D = 13.3; and 165 mL, L/D = 1.9). The analysis was conducted within a practical framework involving the transfer of operating conditions between two existing extractors while maintaining constant pressure, temperature, and particle size distribution. The applicability of the S/F criterion was evaluated with respect to CO 2 flow direction (upflow vs. downflow), extraction basket geometry (L/D), extraction basket filling ratio, extraction duration, and different biomass feedstocks. When the S/F ratio, CO 2 flow direction, extraction time, and extraction basket filling ratio were maintained between scales, similar asymptotic yields and comparable extraction kinetics were obtained. Under these conditions, the S/F criterion proved to be applicable despite the different extraction basket geometries. However, the extraction basket geometry influenced the extraction mechanism: low L/D ratios systematically produced type A kinetics, whereas high L/D ratios resulted in either type A or type B kinetics depending on the biomass. Changing the CO 2 flow direction between scales resulted in different extraction behaviors, demonstrating that the S/F criterion is no longer applicable under these conditions. These results define the practical conditions under which the S/F conservation criterion can be successfully applied for transferring operating conditions between existing supercritical CO 2 extraction units and highlight the importance of maintaining consistent hydrodynamic conditions during scale transfer.
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BibTeX
@article{mouahid2026scaling,
title = {{Scaling methodology for supercritical CO2 extraction process: applicability of the solvent-to-feed mass ratio criterion under different flow directions and extraction basket geometries}},
author = {Adil Mouahid and Cyrielle Girard and Lucero Benitez and Emmanuelle Myotte and Marzoukou Idrissou and Josephe Beenie Tchilado and Carla Mattio and Laura Brian and Blanche Krieguer and Christelle Crampon and Elisabeth Badens},
journal = {Chemical Engineering Research and Design},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1016/j.cherd.2026.08.021},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05734775v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Scaling methodology for supercritical CO2 extraction process: applicability of the solvent-to-feed mass ratio criterion under different flow directions and extraction basket geometries
AU - Adil Mouahid
AU - Cyrielle Girard
AU - Lucero Benitez
AU - Emmanuelle Myotte
AU - Marzoukou Idrissou
AU - Josephe Beenie Tchilado
AU - Carla Mattio
AU - Laura Brian
AU - Blanche Krieguer
AU - Christelle Crampon
AU - Elisabeth Badens
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/01
JO - Chemical Engineering Research and Design
DO - 10.1016/j.cherd.2026.08.021
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05734775v1
AB - This study investigates the applicability of the solvent-to-feed (S/F) mass ratio conservation criterion for scaling supercritical CO 2 extraction process using two extraction units with different extraction basket geometries (18 mL, L/D = 13.3; and 165 mL, L/D = 1.9). The analysis was conducted within a practical framework involving the transfer of operating conditions between two existing extractors while maintaining constant pressure, temperature, and particle size distribution. The applicability of the S/F criterion was evaluated with respect to CO 2 flow direction (upflow vs. downflow), extraction basket geometry (L/D), extraction basket filling ratio, extraction duration, and different biomass feedstocks. When the S/F ratio, CO 2 flow direction, extraction time, and extraction basket filling ratio were maintained between scales, similar asymptotic yields and comparable extraction kinetics were obtained. Under these conditions, the S/F criterion proved to be applicable despite the different extraction basket geometries. However, the extraction basket geometry influenced the extraction mechanism: low L/D ratios systematically produced type A kinetics, whereas high L/D ratios resulted in either type A or type B kinetics depending on the biomass. Changing the CO 2 flow direction between scales resulted in different extraction behaviors, demonstrating that the S/F criterion is no longer applicable under these conditions. These results define the practical conditions under which the S/F conservation criterion can be successfully applied for transferring operating conditions between existing supercritical CO 2 extraction units and highlight the importance of maintaining consistent hydrodynamic conditions during scale transfer.
SN - 0263-8762
SN - 1744-3563
ER -