Abstract
Experiments were performed to evaluate a recent extraction process called the instantaneous controlled pressure drop process (briefly: DIC process: "Detente Instantanee Controlee") for extracting some volatile compounds from red cedar wood. This process involves subjecting red cedar chips for a short time (30 s to 5 min) under a steam pressure (1 to 6 bars or from 100 to 165 degrees C). This first step is followed by a flash decompression toward vacuum (up to 50 mbar). This transition induces a fast evaporation of water and volatile compounds and a cooling effect. The effects of two processing parameters (steam pressure and heating time) on the total extraction yield and on yield of four volatile compounds were evaluated by response surface methodology. The results indicated that the processing pressure is the predominant parameter for global extraction yield of oil (E.O= Extracted Oil) and for yield of the four compounds investigated in this study. The processing time is also a significant parameter but less than processing pressure. Moreover, activated carbon produced from DIC-treated residue revealed larger pore sizes compared to untreated samples.