Solvent extraction and expelling are the main processes used in soybean oil production. Hexane is currently the leading solvent in extraction , . This solvent has a high solubility for oil extraction, availability, low price, low boiling point, and heat of vaporization .
How is oil extracted from soybeans?
Due to the moderate oil content (18 ¨C 23%mass) , it is mandatorily recovered from soybeans by solvent extraction . Currently, industries adopt a continuous-countercurrent-multistage extractor for oil extraction from vegetable oilseeds.
How is soybean oil extracted in a continuous and countercurrent process?
Extraction of soybean oil in a continuous and countercurrent process. Multistage extraction was experimentally reproduced from batch single-stage assays. The process efficiency was mainly limited by the oil solubility in the solvent. The minimum solvent mass flow and the number of ideal stages were calculated.
How is oil extracted from soy flakes?
During solvent extraction oil is removed from the soy flakes by an organic solvent to form an oil/solvent mixture called a miscella. The oil is recovered from the miscella by removing the solvent by steam stripping. Most commercial oil extraction is currently by hexane extraction, but other solvents have been considered.