In the highly competitive global market of edible oil, export - oriented large - scale grain and oil processing enterprises are constantly seeking ways to enhance their production efficiency and product quality. The sunflower seed oil extraction system, especially the solvent extraction method, plays a crucial role in this pursuit.
The solvent extraction method in sunflower seed oil extraction mainly relies on hexane extraction. Hexane is a highly effective solvent due to its excellent solubility for oil. The principle behind it is based on the difference in solubility of oil and other components in the raw material in hexane. When the sunflower seeds are in contact with hexane, the oil is dissolved, forming a miscella. The extraction efficiency can reach up to 95% - 98%, which means that almost all the oil in the sunflower seeds can be extracted.
The physical characteristics of the raw material, such as the oil content and particle size, have a significant impact on the extraction efficiency. Generally speaking, sunflower seeds with an oil content of 40% - 50% are considered high - quality raw materials for oil extraction. If the oil content is too low, the extraction cost will increase. Regarding the particle size, a proper particle size distribution (usually between 0.2 - 0.5 mm) can ensure a larger contact area between the raw material and the solvent, thus improving the extraction efficiency. For example, in some large - scale oil mills, by adjusting the particle size of the sunflower seeds, they have increased the extraction efficiency by 5% - 8%.
Desolventizing is a critical step in the sunflower seed oil extraction process. It not only affects the final yield of the oil but also the quality of the oil. Proper control of process parameters such as temperature (usually around 100 - 110°C) and time (about 30 - 60 minutes) can effectively remove the solvent from the oil and meal. Through scientific desolventizing, the residual solvent content in the oil can be reduced to less than 10 ppm, meeting the strict international quality standards.
In addition to technical aspects, safety and environmental protection are also of great concern in the sunflower seed oil extraction industry. Enterprises need to implement strict safety operation regulations to prevent accidents such as solvent leakage and explosion. Moreover, environmental protection measures, such as treating the waste gas and wastewater generated during the extraction process, have become an important part of corporate social responsibility. For instance, many advanced extraction systems are now equipped with waste treatment facilities, which can reduce the pollution of waste gas and wastewater by more than 90%.
Let's take a look at some typical cases of large - scale grain and oil processing enterprises. Company A, after upgrading its sunflower seed oil extraction system, has reduced the energy consumption by 20% and the labor cost by 30%. This is mainly achieved through the optimization of the extraction process and the use of advanced equipment. Another company, Company B, has improved its product quality significantly, which has led to an increase in its market share by 15% in the international market.
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