Solvent extraction of cottonseed and peanut oils. VIII. Effects of moisture on the preparation and flaking of cottonseed

Conclusions The results indicate that 9 to 10% moisture in the meats is the best level for the preparation of cottonseed into flakes for solvent extraction. At lower moisture the flakes contain more fines before and after agitation in solvent, and the percolation rate of solvent through a flake bed is lower because of reduced particle size. At higher moisture the amount of oil in the hulls from the beater is greater. Also the flakes produce more fines, and the percolation rate becomes slower because of the softness and pliability of the flaked meat. It is likely that in commercial continuous operations this packing or balling up tendency of the flaked meats may lead to periodic channeling or plugging in the extractor, dryer, conveyors, and filters. These conclusions have been applied in the continuous pilot plant solvent extraction of three lots of prime cottonseed. The results substantiate the findings herein and will be reported in a separate publication. One of the laboratories of the Bureau of Agricultural and Industrial Chemistry, Agricultural Research Administration, U. S. Department of Agriculture.