EQUIPMENT

New Machine Removes Chemical Residues

A machine that remove fats, chemical residues and other compounds
from food products by using harmless carbon dioxide will be
commercialized by Applied Separations of Allentown, Penn.

The machine is a multipurpose super-critical fluid extractor
(SFE), developed jointly with scientists from USDA's Agricultural
Research Service (ARS). Besides removing fats, it could be used
to extract residues of herbicides and pesticides from grains and
meats, and to remove trace antibiotics, nitrosamines and hormones
from meat. To extract materials, it uses carbon dioxide instead
of organic solvents.

EPA has mandated that the use of these organic solvents be
reduced or eliminated. Applied Separations will also do pilot
tests of SFE for industrial uses.

Contact Robert J. Maxwell, USDA-ARS, (215) 233-6433.

(Source: IPM Monitor, Winter 1996).