ABSTRACT
This chapter is strictly introductory. It aims to provide an overview of solvent extraction technology in general, so that the reader can place in context the detailed topics in subsequent chapters. It contains essentially no new information, so the reader will look in vain for detailed references to most of the issues discussed. Much can be found in standard chemical engineering texts. Texts such as Rydberg et al. (2004) or the earlier Lo et al. (1983) handbook provide much depth about the technology, but nothing about its application in food processing. Schügerl’s (1994) monograph has some very relevant material, although its focus is de™nitely on biotechnology rather than food technology. A recent encyclopedic review of food technology (CampbellPlatt 2009) devotes a scant two pages to the topic of solvent extraction.
