MECHANICAL CONTINUOUS OIL EXPRESSION FROM OILSEEDS: OIL YIELD AND PRESS CAPACITY

Abstract

Oil can be obtained from an oil seed through mechanical methods or solvent extraction. Mechanical expression of oil involves the application of pressure (using hydraulic or screw presses) to force oil out of the oil bearing material. In solvent extraction, solvent such as hexane is usually applied to remove oil from the material. Mechanical expression or mechanical pressing is, however, preferable due to the fact it is economical compared with the solvent process. At the laboratory scale, many authors have highlighted the effect of operating parameters and raw material on process performance (oil yield and press capacity).