State‐of‐the‐art on the supercritical extraction of organics from hazardous wastes

Abstract

Extraction by supercritical fluids (SCF) is a relatively new technology which offers several key advantages over traditional methods, especially enhanced solubility and rapid diffusion. Because the molecular properties of SCF are intermediate between those of liquids and gases, well‐known heuristic design rules may not apply to SCF systems. In the present, work progress in the areas of predicting and correlating thermody‐namic and transport properties of supercritical fluids are outlined. In addition, specific fruitful areas are delineated wherein proven applications have evolved. Some specific examples include SCF leaching of contaminated soil samples, oxidation of hazardous waste, and regeneration of adsorbents.