Supercritical fluid extraction research laboratories- Hazard identification and assessment

Abstract

Supercritical fluid extraction of planting herbs is extensively conducted in research laboratories by researchers including students. Materials, equipment and the people handling the experiments keep changing and new potential hazards are seen. In order to ensure a safe working environment, hazard identification and assessment need to be developed as part of the research activities. Therefore, a safety analysis on the most hazardous and potential equipment in supercritical fluid extraction of Gynura procumbens as a case study was conducted. Qualitative and quantitative tools and analyses were applied for the determination of potential risk and the level of danger for the hazard identified. The most potentially hazardous equipment identified were carbon dioxide pump, carbon dioxide storage tank, co-solvent pump and extraction vessel. Fire & Explosion Index analysis on carbon dioxide storage tank and extraction vessel concluded that the level of danger is light and intermediate, respectively