Abstract: | The time course of the extraction of α-acids by liquid carbon dioxide was investigated and it has been established that there are two zones with greatly differing rates of extraction. The rate in the first zone is governed by ‘solubility’ effects, while in the second zone the rate is limited by ‘diffusional’ effects. Consequently the rate of extraction in the first zone depends upon the flow rate of liquid carbon dioxide while that in the second zone depends upon the time of extraction. The effects on extraction performance of the depth of the bed of hops and the extent of milling were also explored. |