Modeling the solvent extraction of oilseeds

Abstract

Abstract A computer model and an experimental procedure for generating data needed in the model have been developed for the oilseed extraction process. The experiments are relatively simple and are performed with a bench‐top extractor. Experimental results and modeling calculations are presented for the extraction of cottonseed using hexane, isopropanol and ethanol. The calculations show that in an alcohol extraction using a chill separation, isopropanol's greater oil miscibility allows for a lower solvent‐to‐feed ratio than does ethanol. Using the latter solvent, however, achieves lower residual lipids in the extracted meal because recycled ethanol contains less oil than recycled isopropanol.