Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the continuous treatment of an emulsion and/or a micro-emulsion assisted by an “expanded liquid” for the production of micro- and/or nano-particles or micro- and/or nano-spheres containing one or more active ingredients. In particular, a liquid solvent expanded by compressed or supercritical CO2 is contacted with an O/W emulsion, or alternatively a W/O emulsion or multiple emulsions, formed by an external phase that is itself a liquid expanded by compressed CO2. The expanded liquid forms a solution with the dispersed phase of the emulsion and extracts it inducing the formation of the desired particles of the dissolved compounds. The process is carried out in a counter-current packed column wherein the expanded emulsion is fed from the top, while the expanded liquid is fed from the bottom. Thanks to the presence of the expanded liquid, any deposition of the solid particles produced on the packing elements is avoided, thus preventing any column blockage.

Abstract: A process for the removal of dry adhesives and/or inks from the surface and from the interior of the cells of the engraved cylinders used in printing and coupling processes, using a supercritical mixture formed by one or more organic solvents and a supercritical fluid, preferably consisting of supercritical carbon dioxide. The microscopic cells of the engraved cylinders used in printing industry or of the cylinders used for film coupling in packaging industry are thoroughly and easily cleaned by a process comprising the steps of forming the said supercritical mixture, delivering it in a high pressure autoclave previously filled with the engraved cylinders to be cleaned, cleaning for a given residence time, eliminating the organic solvent residue in the autoclave by washing it with supercritical fluid and precipitating the extracted inks and/or adhesives in one or more separators located downstream the autoclave.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the continuous treatment of an emulsion and/or a micro-emulsion assisted by an “expanded liquid” for the production of micro- and/or nano-particles or micro- and/or nano-spheres containing one or more active ingredients. In particular, a liquid solvent expanded by compressed or supercritical CO2 is contacted with an O/W emulsion, or alternatively a W/O emulsion or multiple emulsions, formed by an external phase that is itself a liquid expanded by compressed CO2. The expanded liquid forms a solution with the dispersed phase of the emulsion and extracts it inducing the formation of the desired particles of the dissolved compounds. The process is carried out in a counter-current packed column wherein the expanded emulsion is fed from the top, while the expanded liquid is fed from the bottom. Thanks to the presence of the expanded liquid, any deposition of the solid particles produced on the packing elements is avoided, thus preventing any column blockage.

Abstract: A process for the removal of dry adhesives and/or inks from the surface and from the interior of the cells of the engraved cylinders used in printing and coupling processes, using a supercritical mixture formed by one or more organic solvents and a supercritical fluid, preferably consisting of supercritical carbon dioxide. The microscopic cells of the engraved cylinders used in printing industry or of the cylinders used for film coupling in packaging industry are thoroughly and easily cleaned by a process comprising the steps of forming the said supercritical mixture, delivering it in a high pressure autoclave previously filled with the engraved cylinders to be cleaned, cleaning for a given residence time, eliminating the organic solvent residue in the autoclave by washing it with supercritical fluid and precipitating the extracted inks and/or adhesives in one or more separators located downstream the autoclave.