Supercritical extraction technology

New Zealand research and innovation company IRL has constructed a portable supercritical extraction unit that takes the technology straight to the factory floor, overcoming any compliance issues that arise when extraction has to be carried out off site.

IRL scientists have been researching solvent residue-free supercritical extraction since 1986. They first applied the technology to make low-fat, low-cholesterol meat products and cholstererol-free butter but have since used it in the forestry and fisheries sectors, on industrial raw materials and on a range of plants, herbs and spices. The research has also sought out new and more-effective extraction agents that ensure the target material is identical to nature and can be applied to wet materials, cutting out the need for drying processes.

Throughout this period, the researchers have maintained strong links with industry and the idea of building a mobile supercritical extraction unit grew out of this close association. Businesses were keen to have trial-run extractions of particular materials to test on the international market. In most cases they had no supercritical extraction facilities of their own and farming the work out posed problems since the extraction process needs to be carried out in premises that meet the stringent health and food safety regulations required by overseas markets.

IRL engineering came up with the answer in the form of a portable supercritical extraction unit that can travel to a company to do the job on site so meeting the required export standards. There is another benefit too. IRL provides technical experts to help train company staff in the technology, ensuring it is transferred where it’s needed — on the factory floor. If the test product is a success, the company is then in a position to consider production scale supercritical extraction services offered through companies such as Nelson-based Nutrizeal.