Abstract: A process is described for decaffeinating caffeine-containing aqueous extracts with which the caffeine is extracted selectively with activated carbon fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering caffeine from caffeine-loaded activated carbon and which is characterized in that the caffeine destroying activity of the activated carbon is reduced before or after loading with caffeine. The activated carbon can to that end be treated with acids, buffers, complexing agents, redox substances, caffeine and other xanthine derivatives. The caffeine recovery yield can be considerably increased by this means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering caffeine from caffeine-loaded activated carbon using a circulated inert gas sweeping stream held at a temperature of 250.degree. to 460.degree. C., in which process the activated carbon is preheated prior to the desorption of the caffeine with heat sources other than the sweeping gas and held during the desorption step at a uniform temperature or at a temperature increasing from the inlet to the outlet of the inert gas sweeping stream within the range of 250.degree. to 460.degree. C. and the caffeine is subsequently separated from the inert gas sweeping stream by conventional means.