Question

what are the properties of liquid co2 that allowed it to extract the limonene from orange peel?

Answer 1

CO2 technology processes extraction efficiently as it is a good solvent because it is easy to make it change phases with relatively low temperature and pressure. It can also sublime at 1.01 bar and the triple point is at 5.2 bar and -56.6°C. If the temperature and pressure increase to the critical point at 73.8 bar and 31°C, CO2 exists as a supercritical fluid and has properties of both a liquid and a vapor.

Dry ice sublimes at atmospheric pressure and temperatures above -78°C. If the CO2 is sealed during sublimation, the internal pressure in the vessel increases. After the temperature and pressure have increased, liquid CO2 forms.