By
Samuel P. Sawan, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, USA
Description
Although supercritial fluid (SCF) technology is now widely used in extraction and purification processes (in the petrochemical, food and
pharmaceuticals industries), this book is the first to address the new application of cleaning. The objective is to provide a roadmap
for readers who want to know whether SCF technology can meet their own processing and cleaning needs. It is particularly helpful to those
striving to balance the requirements for a clean product and a clean environment. The interdisciplinary subject matter will appeal to
scientists and engineers in all specialties ranging from materials and polymer sciences to chemistry and physics. It is also useful to
those developing new processes for other applications, and references given at the end of each chapter provide links to the wider body
of SCF literature.
The book is organized with topics progressing from the fundamental nature of the supercritical state, through
process conditions and materials interactions, to economic considerations. Practical examples are included to show how the technology
has been successfully applied. The first four chapters consider principles governing SCF processing, detailing issues such as solubility,
design for cleanability, and the dynamics of particle removal. The next three chapters discuss surfactants and microemulsions, SCF interaction
with polymers, and the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as a cleaning solvent. The closing chapters focus on more practical
considerations such as scaleup, equipment costs, and financial analysis.
Audience:
Scientists and engineers in all specialties ranging from materials and polymer sciences to chemistry and physics.
