Rapid extraction of canola oil

The simultaneous size reduction and solvent extraction of canola seeds were studied using a laboratory blender and a small, pilot-scale Szego mill. The laboratory tests established that over 95% of the oil may be removed from the seed in a single contact stage. The effects of contact time and solvent-to-seed ratio were investigated. The extraction equilibrium favored the extraction of the oil at higher solvent-to-seed ratios. In all cases the extraction reached some 90% of the equilibrium value after 3 min. Runs in the Szego mill, which is a unique orbitalmill developed by one of us (O. Trass), confirmed that solvent grinding is an efficient extraction technique. In this equipment, contact times as short as 30 sec give significant extraction, with the system approaching equilibrium in one minute. The Szego mill appears to be suitable for the rapid extraction of edible oil seeds such as rapeseed.