Oil extraction from seeds can be achieved through several commercial techniques. These methods prepare the seeds and then separate the oil.
Commercial Oil Extraction Techniques
Here's a breakdown of common commercial methods for extracting oil from seeds, based on the provided reference:
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Seed Preparation: The process begins with preparing the seeds for optimal oil extraction. This usually involves:
- Drying: Reducing the moisture content of the seeds.
- Crushing: Breaking down the seeds to increase the surface area for extraction.
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Extraction Methods: Following seed preparation, one of the following methods may be used to extract the oil:
- Mechanical Pressing: Seeds are crushed, and pressure is applied to squeeze out the oil.
- Solvent Extraction: Seeds are mixed with a solvent that dissolves the oil. The solvent is then removed through evaporation.
- Boiling and Separation: As noted in the reference, some processes involve boiling the seeds in water and then separating the oil from the water.
Summary of Oil Extraction Methods
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Drying and Crushing | Seeds are dried to reduce moisture and then crushed to increase surface area before further processing. |
| Boiling and Separation | Seeds are boiled in water, and then the oil is separated from the water, leveraging differences in density and other properties. |
The specific method used depends on factors such as the type of seed, desired oil quality, and economic considerations.
