Solvent extraction has become the core method in the industrial production of sunflower oil. Compared with traditional cold - pressing methods, it can achieve higher oil yields. For example, cold - pressing methods may only extract about 80% of the oil from sunflower seeds, while solvent extraction can reach up to 95% or more. This high - efficiency extraction method significantly reduces waste and increases the economic benefits of enterprises.
Hexane is a commonly used solvent in sunflower oil extraction. Its non - polar nature allows it to effectively dissolve the non - polar oil components in sunflower seeds. When hexane comes into contact with sunflower seed particles, it penetrates the cell walls of the seeds and dissolves the oil. The extraction efficiency of hexane is affected by factors such as temperature and extraction time. Under optimal conditions, the oil release efficiency can reach more than 90%.
The leaching equipment mainly includes leachers, evaporators, and desolventizing towers. The leacher is the core device for the contact between hexane and sunflower seeds. Its design should ensure uniform contact between the solvent and the seeds. The evaporator is used to separate the hexane from the oil - solvent mixture. The desolventizing tower is responsible for removing the remaining hexane in the oil to meet food safety standards. The structural design of these equipment directly affects the extraction efficiency and product quality.
| Equipment | Function | Design Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Leacher | Contact between solvent and seeds | Uniform contact, high - efficiency mass transfer |
| Evaporator | Separation of hexane and oil - solvent mixture | High - efficiency heat transfer, low energy consumption |
| Desolventizing Tower | Removal of remaining hexane in oil | Complete desolventizing, food safety compliance |
The characteristics of raw materials, such as oil content, particle size, and moisture, have a significant impact on leaching efficiency. For example, when the oil content of sunflower seeds is high, the extraction efficiency is relatively high. Regarding particle size, smaller particle sizes can increase the contact area between the solvent and the seeds, thereby improving the extraction efficiency. As shown in the following data, when the particle size of sunflower seeds is between 0.5 - 1 mm, the oil extraction rate can reach about 92%, while when the particle size is larger than 2 mm, the oil extraction rate drops to about 85%.
Many large - scale grain and oil enterprises have achieved significant energy and labor cost savings through process optimization. For example, by adjusting the temperature and flow rate of the solvent, the extraction time can be shortened, and the energy consumption per unit product can be reduced. At the same time, the use of automated control systems can reduce the need for manual operation, thereby reducing labor costs.
In the process of sunflower oil extraction, safety production and environmental protection are crucial. Hexane is a flammable and explosive substance, so strict safety regulations must be followed during storage, transportation, and use. In addition, enterprises should also take measures to reduce the emission of waste gas and waste liquid to protect the environment. For example, by recycling hexane, the emission of volatile organic compounds can be significantly reduced.
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