A new method for extracting citric acid, by using a technique called industrial iron chromatography liquid separation, has been successfully employed in industrial production on a trial basis for one year in China, and is expected to be widely adopted.

The technology was created by a research center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and was patented in late 1994. It was put into trial use in 1998 at a pharmaceutical plant in Fuyang, Anhui Province.

The technology's successful application on an experimental basis has been reviewed and approved.

The environment-friendly technology produces no waste or pollutants, a common occurrence when the old method of extracting citric acid is used. The new method can also bring in high economic returns at low cost. (Xinhua)