ABSTRACT
AIM: Supercritical CO_2 extraction of Rhizoma Chuanxiong volatile oil was studied under conditions of extraction temperature between 33-48 ℃,pressure between 10-25 MPa and CO_2 flow rate between 2-4 L?min -1 .Influence of extraction conditions on solubility and mass transfer rate were analyzed. METHODS: Based on plug flow in fixed bed,experimental extraction curves were evaluated using a model put forward by Stastova.And the effects of extraction conditions on mass transfer coefficients were also analyzed. RESULTS: Coefficient of mass transfer was slowly increased as the extraction temperature elevated,and was in accord with flow and in contrast with pressure. CONCLUSION:The method has a practical use value in the extraction of Rhizoma Chuanxiong volatile oil.