Pressurized Solvent Extraction:

How does it work?

Heating Solvents Increases Solubilization

As everyone knows, heating a solvent increases solubilization, i.e. extraction efficiency is increased. Under isobaric conditions, however, there is a limit. If the solvent reaches its boiling point (t_bp) and turns into a gas, it is no longer capable of dissolving compounds, dropping efficiency to zero. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 1

Maintain Liquidity

A solvent is a liquid at temperature (t₁) and pressure (p₁). (Fig. 2)

Fig. 2

If the temperature t₁ is increased to t₂ isobarically, the colvent becomes gaseous and the extraction efficiency is zero (Fig. 3)

Fig. 3

By increasing the pressure in the system to p₂, the solvent returns to liquidity. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 4

Greatly Improved Solvating Power

The solvent, as a liquid at a higher temperature, has improved solvating efficiencies. The PSE technology elevates a solvent’s temperature, but maintains its liquidity by increasing pressure, thereby greatly improving solvating power and extraction efficiency (e₂). (Fig. 5)

Fig. 5

Learn more about PSE technology:

• How does PSE work?
• Four Simple Steps
• Serial vs. Parallel Extraction
• Fast and Easy Solvent Extraction

Applications
We have compiled a comprehensive list of pse applications available for free. Click here to view the list of the pse applications you can put to use immediately in your lab.