Modeling the solvent extraction of oilseeds

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. Presented in part at the AOCS meeting in Honolulu, HI, in 1986.