2.2. Supercritical fluid extraction of oil
A laboratory scale assembled SFE system was used in this study
with an extraction cell volume of 500 ml. Twenty five grams of
ground musk melon seeds was mixed with glass wool in the ratio
of 25:1 (w/w) packed as a cartridge and was placed inside the
thermal controlled extraction cell. Liquefied CO2was introduced
into the cartridge through a piston pump with a cooling jacket.
Both the pressure and temperature of the cartridge were
automatically reached and maintained by a control unit according
to settings. After the desired pressure and temperature were
reached, the cell was placed in the thermal-controlled extraction
cell (oven) and connected to the manifold and restrictors. The
system was held for 30 min under the desired conditions, and then
carbon dioxide was allowed to flow continuously through the
extractor. The flow rate of CO2was regulated by both the pressurereleasing valve and thermal-controlled restrictor and monitored
by a flow meter. Extracts were finally separated from CO2phase
and collected in collector at ambient temperature and atmospheric