Solvent Extraction: The Most Popular Method Used for Oil Extraction

 

Solvent extraction is a chemical-based oil extraction procedure to process oil out from a large number of sources such as vegetables, oilseeds, and different nuts through the solvent. In this procedure, Hexane is the most preferred choice. Industrial oil processing particularly for edible oils often involves the solvent extraction step that might not include pressing. 

 Hexane-based processes have been in use for years. Through this procedure, it is possible to-

●        Achieve oil yields of up to 95%

●        Solvent recovery of over 95% 

●        Removal of about ½% of residual oil

 

Solvent extraction procedure carried out in a vegetableoil solvent extraction plant requires less maintenance and relatively more effective and efficient. And this is the reason this procedure has become one of the primary and most preferred sources of extracting large tonnes of oil from protein meals.

 

Solvent Extraction Process

 

Solvent extraction is achieved via grinding of seed. The oil/solvent blend is then heated up to 212º F (100º C) to distill off the solvent through the following steps-

 

●        Seeds are prepared for extraction that includes pre-pressing for high oil content seeds.

●        Extraction of oil with the aid of high-quality food-grade solvent.

●        The toasting of the de-oiled seed combined with drying and cooling.

●        Distillation to wipe out the solvent from the extracted oil.

●        Recovery of solvent that is utilized again at the extractor level.

 

5 Factors that Influence the Solvent Extraction Process

 

There are a large number of factors that drastically affect the solvent extraction process in a vegetable oil solvent extraction plant-

 

1. Seed Water Content 
2. Particle Size and Shape
3. Amount of Solvent
4. Extraction Temperature
5. Extraction Time. 

 

Major edible oil refinery suppliers in India 

 

Mectech is one of the leading edible oil refinerysuppliers in India with an unmatched reputation both in India and abroad. The company has been manufacturing and supplying a vegetable oil solvent extraction plant in India for decades meeting each need of its clients across the globe. Right since the beginning, the company has been focusing on innovation, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. The unmatched after-sales support is the unique selling point of the company.