Nutraceuticals
Plant Extracts
There are some 500,000 species of higher plants around the world, of which around 70,000 serve as a basis for plant-based drugs. Much as applications for vegetable active ingredients vary, they all share one common feature: they are extremely sensitive substances which have to be treated correspondingly gently by the biotechnical process used to obtain them. Extraction decanters and polishing separators from GEA are perfectly designed for this purpose.
Precise Adaptation to Process Parameters
The structure and biological activity of the substances mean that very specific medium conditions have to be used. The extraction process is particularly suitable for this, but has to be precisely adapted to suit process parameters such as pH, temperature, concentration and the delicate structure of the valuable substances. The efficacy of a phytopharmaceutical product also depends on adequate and consistent dosage of the plant extract, so industrial standardization is of huge significance.
Maceration or Percolation?
Plant extracts are defined as concentrated preparations of liquid, solid or viscous consistency. As a rule they are obtained by maceration (extraction to equilibrium with water or alcohol) or percolation (extraction to exhaustion with water or alcohol). A key factor in production is selection of the extraction agent. Water-soluble (hydrophilic) constituents can be extracted with water, whilst fat-soluble (lipophilic) constituents are extracted from a particular part of the plant with alcohol or other solvents.
Extraction Compared to Conventional Processes
Compared to competing separation processes such as distillation, concentration and membrane technology, extraction has proved more efficient in terms of process technology, more selective and cheaper in numerous applications. It is not only extremely gentle, but is also characterized by a low energy requirement.
Typical Plant Extraction Process
The extraction decanter and polishing separators from GEA used in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industry cover all processes and modes of operation: liquid-liquid extraction can be realized, as can liquid-liquid-solid and liquid-solid extractions, whether in one or more stages on the concurrent, counter-current and cross-current principles. The flow chart shows a typical plant extraction process.
Products & Technologies
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Aseptic valves & components
Aseptic valves face exceptionally high demands within UltraClean and Aseptic processes. You can be assured that they all provide highest quality in terms of hygienic design and sustainability.
Centrifugal Separator
GEA separators are designed for liquid-based applications. Using centrifugal force, they are used for separating suspensions consisting of two or more phases of different densities, i.e. they can be used for liquid-liquid separation, for liquid-liquid-solid separation or for liquid-solid separation. They are equally as effective at separating liq...
Decanter Centrifuge
The decanter’s hour has come as soon as the solids content in the suspension to be processed is particularly high. These machines provide the benefits of high clarifying efficiency and maximum dewatering as well as the separation of liquids with the simultaneous removal of solids. The main requirements in this respect include a high bowl speed, a...
Hygienic valves & components
Hygienic valves from GEA form the core component of matrix-piped process plants. Thanks to a pioneering valve concept that sets standards for its flexibility, as well as the latest control and automation functions, our valves offer manufacturers maximum product safety and process reliability. All GEA hygienic valves are designed to be efficient a...
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