Supercritical CO2 fractionation of omega-3 lipids from fish by-products: Plant and process design, modeling, economic feasibility

摘要: Abstract Biopharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food sectors are experiencing an increasing market interest in omega-3 concentrates. Fish fish processing by-products represent the major source of lipids rich omega-3. The present work focuses on supercritical CO 2 fractionation oil derivatives for obtaining concentrates, which seems a promising process given that it allows utilizing low temperatures (well below 100 °C) can be performed also at industrial scale. was conceived, modeled, evaluated terms main parameters affecting its performances: solvent to feed ratio, reflux temperature, pressure both column head separator. further optimized minimizing operating costs. optimum foresaw high temperature (80 °C) (19.5 MPa), allowed reduced ratio (=0.92) (=63). At these conditions, cost per unit product (omega-3 concentrate) turned out about 2.3 €/kg. Finally, plant designed three different throughputs: 10, 100, 300 kg/h. This estimating investment costs, order outline preliminary feasibility evaluation.