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High-resolution imaging of the supercritical antisolvent process

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Abstract

A high-magnification and high-resolution imaging technique was developed for the supercritical fluid antisolvent (SAS) precipitation process. Visualizations of the jet injection, flow patterns, droplets, and particles were obtained in a high-pressure vessel for polylactic acid and budesonide precipitation in supercritical CO2. The results show two regimes for particle production: one where turbulent mixing occurs in gas-like plumes, and another where distinct droplets were observed in the injection. Images are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the method for examining particle formation theories and for understanding the underlying fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and mass transport in the SAS process.

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Acknowledgements

Financial support from the National Science Foundation (CTS-0207781) is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical Engineering Department, Auburn University, 230 Ross Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849-5127, USA

    Philip W. Bell, Amendi P. Stephens, Christopher B. Roberts & Steve R. Duke

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  1. Philip W. Bell
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  2. Amendi P. Stephens
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  3. Christopher B. Roberts
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  4. Steve R. Duke
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Correspondence to Steve R. Duke.

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Bell, P.W., Stephens, A.P., Roberts, C.B. et al. High-resolution imaging of the supercritical antisolvent process. Exp Fluids 38, 708–719 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-005-0933-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-005-0933-4

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