Upscalability and Techno-Economic Perspectives of Nonconventional Extraction Techniques of Essential Oils

Abstract

Context: Nonconventional extraction methods, such as microwave, supercritical fluid, and ultrasonic, are known to be veritable means of producing solvent-free high-quality essential oils. Nonetheless, technical requirements for the utilization of these extraction technologies are often exorbitantly expensive, thereby limiting their utilization. Evidence Acquisition: Although these emerging extraction technologies have been reported to be efficient at a laboratory scale, their techno-economic analyses are necessary for proper upscaling. Scaling up nonconventional extraction has long been regarded as a critical constraint in larger industrial applications with a relatively limited body of published literature on more specific techno-economic analyses. Results: Therefore, an essential oil extraction unit’s techno-economic feasibility should be carefully assessed before an acquisition decision can be made for industrial upscaling. This review critically examined the implications of upscaling nonconventional extraction techniques while taking into consideration their techno-economic benefits. Conclusions: This study will undoubtedly assist researchers and industrial experts make an informed decision on the suitable extraction methods while taking into account the essential oil yield, quality characteristics, energy consumption, and operating costs.