More recently, various chlorinated solvents were used for the purpose of decaffeinating coffee to limit the stimulant effects on the nervous system. Due to health risks, these processes are disappearing and are being replaced with a more natural and highly effective method - activated carbons.
Extracting caffeine
Issues:
Cup of coffee - extraction of caffeine
Targeted compounds:
-
caffeine
Granular coffee
Solutions:
Roasting
This technique involves the use of pure water, sugared water and supercritical carbon dioxide. These fluids pass through a filter containing raw coffee and then through a second filter containing activated carbons. They become loaded with caffeine in the first filter and the caffeine is then adsorbed by the activated carbons in the second filter.
PICA, took part in the EU's Eureka project on coffee decaffeination and developed coconut-based activated carbons specifically adapted for these procedures, optimising caffeine adsorption.
Activated carbons are regenerated at regular intervals. Coffee producers may decide either to perform this operation themselves with the support and guidance of PICA, or to have PICA do it directly, especially when processing volumes are high and to maximize performance.