To take out the oils from the seeds two methods are considered as important and very effective.
- First is solvent extraction 2. second is mechanical pressing procedure.
The most significant method out of these two is solvent extraction method. It is mainly used for the extraction of the oil from the seeds, vegetables or nuts. In oil expeller industries generally involve solvent extraction method and it cannot be further continued by pressing.
It is easy to get high yield of oil with solvent extraction process rather than mechanical expeller pressing method. Only sixty to seventy percent of oil yield is derived with mechanical techniques. Moreover solvent extraction method eradicates the residue and requires less maintenance. The main reason why extraction method is considered as the best is that it is very efficient and consistent.
Solvent extraction method
Solvent extraction method is performed by the aid of grinding the seed. Seeds should be washed with chemical first to release the oil from seed. The solvent is washed off while oil is heated at certain temperature.
Firstly, seeds are prepared for extraction including pre-pressing. The oil is extracted by the help of solvent along with this drying and cooking of the seed should be done. Furthermore, with distillation process the solvent is taken away from the oil that is extracted. Solvent get recovered and can be used again and again.
There are some imperative aspects that affect the solvent extraction procedure-
Content of seed water
In this there is need to check the moisture level so that it stop the seeds from crumbling.
Size and shape of the materials
It is vital to check the size and shape of the seed which in turn aid the solvent to move easily without any hindrance. Other than this if particles size is maintained then this extraction process works in a best way.
Solvent amount
Amount of the solvent really matters. The amount of the solvent for the extraction substance depends on the composition of the seed. If the fiber content of the seed is raw then the solvent extraction quantity increases. This also plays important role in the processing of the seed. To eradicate the solvent less amount of energy is required in the end.
Temperature require at the time of extraction
High temperature is maintained to improve the betterment of the extraction process. It is crucial to use agents of heating as it does not make any kind of difference.
Time of extraction
The time needed for extraction is based on the nature and structure of the material to be extracted.
Maximum numbers of oil extraction machinery or places are found near the fields where farming is done because it provides the seeds for obtaining oil. Due to this oil seed and other oil products can be easily moved. Sometimes seeds also differ according to their weight.
