1 – Can you introduce yourself?
I am Alexandre ZAKREWSKI, mechanical designer at Tournaire Equipement. Tournaire Equipement is the reference in the conception of solutions for the treatment of natural materials with high added value.
2 – Can you present us the subcritical water extraction process?
The subcritical water extraction process is an innovative process. It consists in extracting active ingredients from solid natural materials, using water as a solvent. We then free ourselves from the organic solvents that are generally used for this type of extraction.
Indeed, when water is brought to a high temperature-pressure couple, it acquires an interesting property that brings it closer to the properties of organic solvents such as methanol or acetone.
3 – How is subcritical water extraction carried out?
As in the conventional solid-liquid extraction process, the plant material is brought into contact with a solvent. In this case, it is water in subcritical condition. The active ingredients will dissolve in the water. After filtration of the mixture, we recover the active ingredient in solution in water.
Afterwards, all that remains is to treat this mixture by evaporation in order to concentrate the active ingredient.
4 – What is the benefit of performing a subcritical water extraction test?
Conducting a subcritical extraction test allows us to determine the capacities and possibilities of this innovative technology. Indeed, each material reacts differently. This is why it is necessary to carry out a test in order to evaluate the interest of this technology for a particular material or asset.
Example of tests:
Extraction of carnosic acid from rosemary by a clean and organic process. Carnosic acid is an antimicrobial agent used for food preservation.
For this purpose, the WiNatLab test platform puts at your disposal a complete equipment, associated with a complete support from the Tournaire teams in order to accelerate your access to the industrialization of your project.
5 – Who is this type of test intended for?
This extraction test platform is aimed at companies of all sizes, looking for innovative processes or wishing to develop ecological assets. The WiNatLab platform brings solutions to the sectors of perfumery and flavours, chemistry, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and health pharmaceuticals.
Tests are carried out on known materials in order to improve process parameters but also on new materials in order to obtain compounds for innovative applications.
6 – What is Tournaire Equipement’s advice ?
With the WiNatLab platform, you can benefit from all the developments that have been made by Tournaire over the years, and, in particular, on the subcritical water extraction process.
In order to determine as well as possible the desired pressure and temperature conditions, we advise you to carry out a test. This will allow you to validate a perfect dimensioning, by adapting these test parameters to your subcritical extraction unit.
7 – When will the platform be ready and who to contact to book a trial ?
The WiNatLab platform will be inaugurated during September 2020.
I encourage you to register now on the website to participate in the inauguration, and also to book your trial.