Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for extracting ethanol from an ethanol-water solution comprising (1) extracting ethanol from an ethanol-water solution with a first solvent comprising an esterified fatty acid, wherein the esterified fatty acid comprises a hydroxylated fatty acid component and an alcohol component such that the alcohol component is a C3-6 alcohol, such that the distribution coefficient for ethanol in the mixture of the ethanol-water solution and the first solvent is at least 0.02 favoring the transfer of ethanol from the ethanol-water solution to the first solvent, thereby extracting the ethanol from the ethanol-water solution into the first solvent, and (2) extracting the ethanol-enriched first solvent with carbon dioxide, such that the carbon dioxide is at a liquid or near supercritical phase, wherein the distribution coefficient for ethanol in a mixture of the first solvent and the carbon dioxide is at least 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for extracting ethanol from an ethanol-water solution comprising (1) extracting ethanol from an ethanol-water solution with a first solvent comprising an esterified fatty acid, wherein the esterified fatty acid comprises a hydroxylated fatty acid component and an alcohol component such that the alcohol component is a C3-6 alcohol, such that the distribution coefficient for ethanol in the mixture of the ethanol-water solution and the first solvent is at least 0.02 favoring the transfer of ethanol from the ethanol-water solution to the first solvent, thereby extracting the ethanol from the ethanol-water solution into the first solvent, and (2) extracting the ethanol-enriched first solvent with carbon dioxide, such that the carbon dioxide is at a liquid or near supercritical phase, wherein the distribution coefficient for ethanol in a mixture of the first solvent and the carbon dioxide is at least 0.

Abstract: A process employing a supercritical fluid anti-solvent for sizing prednisolone acetate is disclosed. The process optionally incorporates sterilization filters. Average particle sizes of about 1 .mu.m or less (number average) and narrow particle size ranges are obtainable. The process comprises the steps of (a) forming a solution by dissolving prednisolone acetate in acetone such that the concentration of prednisolone acetate is approximately 80% or less of its solubility in acetone; and (b) transporting the solution formed in step (a) through an orifice having a diameter of 50-100 .mu.m into a mixer/expander containing compressed CO.sub.2, wherein the compressed CO.sub.2 is at a temperature from about 40.degree. to 80.degree. C. and has a density less than the density of the solution by at least 0.3 g/cc, to expand the solution so that the acetone dissolves in the CO.sub.2 and the prednisolone acetate precipitates.

Abstract: The present invention is a method which relies on pressure pulse cleaning. By "pressure pulse cleaning" it is meant that the pressure and temperature of a fluid, such as carbon dioxide is raised to near or above supercritical conditions, which is then contacted with the item(s) to be cleaned. Periodically, the pressure of the supercritical fluid is pulsed or spiked to higher levels and returned to substantially the original level. Potential candidates for treatment by the present invention include but are not limited to precision parts such as gyroscopes used in missile guidance systems, accelerometers, thermal switches, nuclear valve seals, electromechanical assemblies, polymeric containers, special camera lenses, laser optics components, and porous ceramics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recrystallizing materials that are ordinarily difficult-to-comminute. The process utilizes supercritical fluids and gasses at conditions near their respective vapor pressures which have the ability to dissolve in and expand liquid solutions. The process has been shown to be particularly effective at separating HMX and RDX thereby resulting in a precipitate of RDX which is essentially free of HMX.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recrystallizing solid materials (e.g. RDX) from systems comprised of a solute, which is the eventual material recrystallized, a liquid which is a suitable solvent for the solute, and a gaseous component which is soluble within the solvent and whose presence therein causes the solvent to approach or attain a supersaturated state, thereby precipitating (recrystallizing) the solute material. By control of process parameters (pressure, temperature, time, and rate, rate of injection of gas, etc.) the operator can influence the properties of the material recrystallized.

Abstract: A process for improving the oxidation resistance of carbon or graphite fiber reinforced carbon composites includes infiltrating the structure with a ceramic precursor-laden supercritical fluid, depositing the ceramic precursor within the internal porosity and pyrolyzing the precursor material in situ.

Abstract: Supercritical fluids may be used to carry ceramic precursor materials into the pores of a ceramic host. Reducing the solubility of the ceramic precursor in the supercritical fluid will cause deposition of the ceramic precursor in the pores or void spaces of the ceramic host and accomplish densification of the ceramic host material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the deposition of a coating on a substrate by reacting vaporized chemicals on contact with a heated surface to deposit a coating. According to the invention, the deposition surface is cleaned and coated in a single stage reactor. Means are also provided--where a boron deposit is wanted--to deposit an amorphous boron coating on the deposition surface.