Understanding Different Methods of Oil Extraction

Mechanical Extraction (ME): It is one of the oldest ways of oil extraction but is still largely used for procuring finest quality oil of extra virgin quality. During mechanical extraction, the oil seeds are put between barriers and pressure is applied using hydraulic presses and screws to crush them and extract the oil out. While it requires extensively trained experts, it is the most economical way to extract oil out of oilseeds. The residual oil cake from the mechanical extraction process also has many important applications.

Enzyme Assissted Extraction (EAE): The interwoven lignocellulosic and other polymers that makeup plant cell walls function as a barrier to the extraction of those materials. Enzymes are utilized as a pre-extraction step to break down these cellular components and disrupt pores, which makes it easier for the oil to diffuse into the extraction medium. One of the most commonly used enzymes for this process of oil extraction is the fungus Trichoderma. However, one of the most common disadvantages of this process is low yield, and hence it is not widely used in large- scale commercial production of oils.

Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE): With frequencies between 20 and 100 MHz, ultrasound is a specific kind of sound wave that is beyond human hearing. UAE is primarily related to cavitation activity, which causes bubbles to form, grow, and eventually collapse. This collapse has physical, chemical, and mechanical impacts that cause material matrix rupture, facilitate the release of extractable compounds, and facilitate the migration of the solvent into the sample, enhancing the release of target compounds from the matrix into the solvent. Some of the common benefits of UAE are UAE quick extraction times, minimal energy requirements, and great extraction effectiveness.

Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE): One of the newest and most appealing alternative methods of oil extraction is microwave assisted extraction (MAE). As a result of the microwave treatment, the protein material is denatured, improving the extraction. The microwave's quick heating and destruction of biological cell structure make for quick, efficient extraction that uses little solvent and yields high-quality oil. The lower energy consumption of this technique reduces both the environmental impact and financial costs.

Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE): Supercritical fluids are used in SFE to extract
components from the matrix. The term "supercritical carbon extraction method" is occasionally used to describe this procedure. Compressed gases like ethane, propane, ethylene, dinitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide are employed as solvents in this process.