Method for expressing tamanu oil

Abstract

The present invention relates to a technology that efficiently expresses tamanu oil in order to increase the amount of production of tamanu oil, which is useful as, e.g., a cosmetic component or a biofuel. Tamanu oil can be efficiently expressed in good yields by a method for expressing tamanu oil, the method comprising: a mixing step of mixing Calophyllum seed with a fibrous material-containing material wherein the total fiber content in the mixture of Calophyllum seed and fibrous material-containing material is adjusted into the range from 8-55 weight%; and a compression step of introducing the mixture of Calophyllum seed + fibrous material-containing material yielded by the mixing step into an oil press and compressing.

Description

How to extract Calophyllum oil

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for expressing Calophyllum indicum oil.

[0002] Calophyllum indicum is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world and is abundantly available. Calophyllum indicum oil, obtained from its seeds, is used as an ingredient in traditional medicines and cosmetics. It is also known for its high calorific value and high oil yield. In recent years, the world has faced an energy crisis due to the depletion of fossil fuels and worsening environmental issues. Under these circumstances, biofuels derived from sustainable biomass resources have attracted attention as a means of diversifying energy sources and reducing carbon emissions, and research and development efforts toward their widespread adoption are intensifying. Calophyllum indicum, with its high calorific value and high oil yield, is also attracting attention as a biofuel resource. Vegetable oils are typically extracted by compressing them in an oil press. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method for extracting pine nut oil. Because the oil content and seed characteristics vary significantly depending on the plant species, it is necessary to consider the oil extraction method for each plant species.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-18849

[0004] In order to increase the production of Calophyllum indicum oil, which is useful as a cosmetic ingredient and biofuel, there is a need to develop technology to efficiently extract Calophyllum indicum oil.

[0005] The present invention encompasses the following aspects and embodiments. [1] A method for extracting Calendula officinalis oil, comprising: a mixing step of mixing Calendula officinalis seeds with a fibrous material, wherein the total fiber content of the mixture of Calendula officinalis seeds and the fibrous material is adjusted to a range of 8% to 55% by dry weight, and a pressing step of feeding the mixture of Calendula officinalis seeds and the fibrous material obtained in the mixing step into an oil press and pressing it. [2] The method for extracting Calendula officinalis oil according to [1] above, wherein the fibrous material comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of fruit shells, seed coats, and plant bodies. [3] The method for extracting Calendula officinalis oil according to [1] above, wherein the fibrous material comprises Calendula officinalis seed shells. [4] The method for expressing Calendula officinalis oil according to [1], wherein the total fiber content of the mixture of Calendula officinalis seeds and fibrous materials is adjusted to a range of 8% to 31% by dry weight in the mixing step. [5] The method for expressing Calendula officinalis oil according to [1], wherein the total fiber content of the mixture of Calendula officinalis seeds and fibrous materials is adjusted to a range of 31% to 55% by dry weight in the mixing step. [6] The method for expressing Calendula officinalis oil according to [1], wherein the total fiber content of the mixture of Calendula officinalis seeds and fibrous materials is adjusted to a range of 15% to 40% by dry weight in the mixing step. [7] The method for expressing Calendula officinalis oil according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the moisture content of the mixture of Calendula officinalis seeds and fibrous materials is adjusted to 15% by weight or less in the mixing step.

[0006] According to the method of the present invention, Calophyllum indicum oil can be extracted efficiently with a good yield.

[0007] The method for expressing Calophyllum kohlraum oil according to the present invention will be specifically described below.

[0008] Calophyllum inophyllum L. is an evergreen tree of the Calophyllum family. It is native to tropical coastal regions from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean (from Madagascar to India and the Marquesas Islands in Polynesia), as well as the Northern Mariana Islands and Okinawa Islands, and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Calophyllum inophyllum fruits are harvested annually at a yield of approximately 20 to 100 kg per tree, and the seeds contain 50 to 70% oil by weight. It is said that 1 to 10 kg of oil can be extracted from a mature tree per year (see BFPRO (Forest Business Database for Developing Countries) "Tamanu Oil (Callophyllum inophyllum Seed Oil") https: / / jifpro.or.jp / bfpro / product / 1334 / ). The method for extracting calophyllum oil according to the present invention provides efficient oil extraction with a high yield from abundantly available calophyllum.

[0009] The method for extracting Calophyllum indicum oil according to the present invention comprises: a mixing step of mixing Calophyllum indicum seeds with a fibrous material, wherein the total fiber content of the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and the fibrous material is adjusted to a range of 8% to 55% by dry weight, and a pressing step of feeding the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and the fibrous material obtained in the mixing step into an oil press and pressing it. According to the method of the present invention, by mixing Calophyllum indicum seeds and the fibrous material in a ratio such that the total fiber content (on a dry weight basis) falls within a predetermined range, and then feeding the mixture into the oil press and pressing it, clogging of the press cake discharge section of the oil press can be prevented, continuous operation of the oil press can be enabled, and Calophyllum indicum oil can be efficiently extracted with a high yield.

[0010] Each step will be described below.

[0011] <Mixing Process> In the mixing process, Calophyllum indicum seeds and a fibrous material are mixed. First, the Calophyllum indicum seeds and a fibrous material are prepared. Calophyllum indicum fruits are drupes and contain one seed. Calophyllum indicum seeds can be extracted by cracking the seed shell (endocarp). If the seeds contain too much water, it becomes difficult to apply pressure inside the oil press, so it is preferable to use dried Calophyllum indicum seeds. The drying method is not particularly limited, and may be drying in a dryer or drying by sun drying, but drying in a dryer is preferred because it is easy to adjust the moisture content. Calophyllum indicum seed shells are preferably used as the fibrous material. As mentioned above, the seed shells of Calophyllum indicum are the endocarp that encases the Calophyllum indicum seeds. For example, the remaining portion after the Calophyllum indicum seeds are extracted can be used as the seed shells of Calophyllum indicum. In addition to Calophyllum indicum seed husks, any fibrous material can be used without any particular limitation as long as it contains fiber. Among these, plant-derived materials are preferred, and examples include fruit husks such as peanuts, almonds, cashew nuts, walnuts, chestnuts, ginkgo nuts, and palm trees; seed coats such as soybean husks, rapeseed husks, bran, and rice husks; and plant materials such as rice straw, bagasse, and corn stalks. As with Calophyllum indicum seeds, it is preferable to use fibrous materials after drying. The drying method is similar to that for seeds, and drying with a dryer is preferred because it is easy to adjust the moisture content. Calophyllum indicum seeds and the fibrous material may be dried separately and then mixed, or the Calophyllum indicum seeds and the fibrous material may be mixed and then dried.

[0012] In the mixing process, the total fiber content of the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and fibrous material is adjusted to a range of 8% to 55% by dry weight. Adjusting the total fiber content within this range prevents clogging of the pressed cake discharge section of the oil press, enabling continuous operation of the oil press. The total fiber content (dry weight basis) can be adjusted to the above range by appropriately selecting the mixing ratio of Calophyllum indicum seeds and fibrous material and the fibrous material. In one embodiment, Calophyllum indicum seed husks are used as the fibrous material. Calophyllum indicum seeds and husks contain fibers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and the husks generally contain a higher fiber content than the seeds. For example, according to the inventors' analysis, Calophyllum indicum seeds contain approximately 5-10% by dry weight fiber, and the husks contain approximately 75-90% by dry weight fiber. However, because fiber content can vary significantly depending on factors such as the place of origin, growth conditions, and harvest time, the above fiber content is merely a guideline, and it is desirable to determine a more accurate fiber content for each raw material used. The total fiber content (dry weight basis) can be adjusted to fall within the above range by appropriately adjusting the mixing ratio of Calophyllum indicum seeds and Calophyllum indicum seed husks. In one embodiment, the total fiber content of the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and fibrous materials is preferably 8% to 31% by dry weight, more preferably 9% to 31% by dry weight, and even more preferably 15% to 31% by dry weight. For example, when using a medium- to large-sized oil press with a shaft length of 1,400 mm to 4,500 mm (processing capacity: approximately 100 kg / hour to 10 t / hour), the total fiber content is preferably within the above range. In one embodiment, the total fiber content of the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and fibrous material is preferably 31% to 55% by dry weight, more preferably 31% to 50% by dry weight, and even more preferably 31% to 45% by dry weight. For example, when using a small oil press with a shaft length of 500 mm to 1,400 mm (processing capacity: approximately 20 kg / hour to 100 kg / hour), the total fiber content is preferably within the above range.Furthermore, regardless of the length of the oil press shaft, in one embodiment, the total fiber content of the mixture of materials containing Calophyllum indicum seeds and fiber is preferably 15% to 40% by dry weight, more preferably 15% to 31% by dry weight, and even more preferably 16% to 30% by dry weight. When the total fiber content is within the above range, clogging of the press cake discharge section is suppressed, stable continuous operation is possible, and Calophyllum indicum oil can be efficiently extracted with a good yield. The total fiber content can be adjusted appropriately within the above range depending on the press used.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the mixing step, it is preferable to adjust the moisture content contained in the mixture of materials containing Calophyllum indicum seeds and fiber to 15% by weight or less. By adjusting the moisture content contained in the mixture of materials containing Calophyllum indicum seeds and fiber within the above range, pressure can be easily applied inside the oil press, preventing slippage and enabling more efficient oil extraction. The moisture content contained in the mixture of materials containing Calophyllum indicum seeds and fiber is more preferably 10% by weight or less, and even more preferably 5% by weight or less. Note that the lower the moisture content, the higher the oil extraction efficiency, but reducing the moisture content too much will increase the energy cost required for drying and CO2 emissions during the production process. ２ This is undesirable from the viewpoint of suppressing increases in emissions.

[0014] <Pressing Step> In the pressing step, the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and fibrous material obtained in the mixing step is placed in an oil press and pressed. The oil press is not particularly limited, but an expeller-type oil press equipped with a cylindrical casing and a rotatable screw mounted therein is preferably used. The mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and fibrous material is placed in the inlet (hopper) of the oil press, and the screw is rotated to transport the mixture while gradually reducing the gap between the screw and the casing. This applies pressure to the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and fibrous material, thereby crushing it and continuously separating Calophyllum indicum oil and pressed cake. Before placing the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and fibrous material obtained in the mixing step in the oil press, the oil press is preferably pre-heated to 50°C or higher. The oil press can be heated by a heating means attached to the outside of the oil press. The oil press is also heated by frictional heat generated by passing the oil extraction raw material through it. When oil is extracted continuously on an industrial scale, the temperature of the oil press during oil extraction is more preferably 80 to 100°C, and even more preferably 90 to 100°C, from the viewpoint of improving oil extraction efficiency. Furthermore, the mixture of materials containing Calophyllum indicum seeds and fibers obtained in the mixing step is preferably pre-adjusted to 90 to 110°C before being fed into the oil press. In one embodiment, it is preferable to maintain the temperature of the oil press at a constant temperature during oil extraction using a heating means attached to the outside of the oil press. Excess heat, such as frictional heat, generated during oil extraction is preferably dissipated by a cooled screw shaft. This prevents high temperature rises and allows the temperature to be controlled within the desired range.

[0015] The pressing step yields calendula oil and pressed cake. According to the method of the present invention, calendula oil can be efficiently pressed with a high yield. In one embodiment, the calendula oil contained in the pressed cake may be extracted by contacting the pressed cake with a solvent in an extraction step, and then distilling off the solvent from the extract to obtain an oil component, thereby extracting the calendula oil contained in the pressed cake.

[0016] The obtained Calophyllum indicum oil can then be purified to remove impurities, etc., as needed, and used for various applications. The purification process includes, but is not limited to, purification treatments generally used for edible oils or non-edible oils. From the viewpoint of reducing the environmental load, purification treatments used for edible oils are preferred. Examples of purification treatments used for edible oils include one or more selected from the group consisting of a deacidification process, a degumming process, a bleaching process, and a deodorization process.

[0017] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way.

[0018] Calophyllum kohlraum oil was extracted by carrying out the mixing step and the pressing step as follows.

[0019] <Mixing Process> Pulp-removed Calophyllum indica (produced in Okinawa Prefecture) was coarsely crushed with a coarse crushing roll set to a clearance of 10 mm, and then separated into seeds and seed husks using an air sorter to prepare Calophyllum indica seeds and seed husks. The resulting Calophyllum indica seeds and seed husks were mixed at different rates of Calophyllum indica seed husk so that the total fiber content (dry weight basis) of the mixture fell within the ranges listed in Table 1, based on the analytical values ​​for the fiber content of each (Calophyllum indica seeds: 8.5% dry weight, Calophyllum indica seed husk: 83.3% dry weight), to prepare samples. Total fiber was analyzed as neutral detergent fiber using thermostable α-amylase according to the feed analysis method. Drying was performed using a three-stage cooker (manufactured by Suehiro EPM Co., Ltd.) with stirring by indirect heating using steam until the moisture content of the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and Calophyllum indicum seed husks reached the specified range. The moisture content was measured using the atmospheric pressure heating and drying method of the Standard Method for Analysis of Fats, Oils, and Related Materials or an infrared moisture meter FD-720 (manufactured by Kett Electric Laboratory Co., Ltd.). For the atmospheric pressure heating and drying method of the Standard Method for Analysis of Fats, Oils, and Related Materials, the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and Calophyllum indicum seed husks was heated and dried in a constant temperature bath at 130°C for 3 hours, allowed to cool in a desiccator, and then weighed. The moisture content was calculated from the difference in weight from before drying. The infrared moisture meter FD-720 was used in automatic stop mode, with the heating temperature at 120°C for 30 seconds, automatically stopping when the drying fluctuation was 0.05% or less. For Examples 1 to 3, measurements were made using the normal pressure heating and drying method of the Standard Fats and Oils Analysis Test Method, and for Examples 4 to 7, measurements were made using an infrared heating moisture meter FD-720. When the error between the normal pressure heating and drying method and the infrared heating moisture meter was confirmed, the analytical error between the measurement methods was 0.59%, and it was confirmed that there was no problem with the variation in moisture content between the measurement methods.

[0020] <Pressing Process> A mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and seed husks was used as the oil extraction raw material and fed into the inlet of an oil extraction machine and pressed. Either Oil Extractor A ("V-05L" manufactured by Suehiro EPM Co., Ltd.) or Oil Extractor B ("S-52" manufactured by Handa Oil Extractor Co., Ltd.) was used. The oil extraction raw material was fed in small amounts, and if the oil extraction raw material clogged or the pressed oil and pressed cake were not separated and discharged as a paste, it was determined that oil extraction was not possible and oil extraction was stopped at that point. The amount of oil extraction raw material fed was the amount until oil extraction was stopped. (i) When Oil Extractor A was used: The shaft was warmed up to 50°C or higher using steam or the like, and approximately 1 to 20 kg of oil extraction raw material was fed in small amounts from the feeding hopper and pressed. After the raw material was fed, the raw material feeding was stopped after confirming that the pressed oil and pressed cake were continuously and stably discharged. (ii) When oil press B was used, the raw material was added little by little from the hopper and pressed. After confirming that the pressed cake was being discharged, the amount of material added was gradually increased. The amount of material added was set to about 500 g to 5 kg, and pressing was carried out while confirming that the pressed oil and pressed cake were being continuously and stably discharged.

[0021] The results were evaluated according to the following criteria and are shown in Table 1. E: Pressed cake was continuously discharged, and the pressed oil contained only a small amount of dregs. G: Pressed cake was continuously discharged, but the pressed oil contained a large amount of dregs and the amount of pressed oil was small. P: Pressed cake was not discharged and became clogged, or the pressed oil and pressed cake were not separated and were discharged as a paste. In Table 1, "-" means that the test was not carried out.

[0022] As described above, according to the method of the present invention, Calophyllum indicum oil can be extracted efficiently with a good yield.

Claims

1. A method for extracting Calophyllum indicum oil, comprising: a mixing step of mixing Calophyllum indicum seeds with a fibrous material, the mixing step adjusting the total fiber content contained in the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and the fibrous material to a range of 8% by dry matter weight or more and 55% by dry matter weight or less; and a pressing step of feeding the mixture of Calophyllum indicum seeds and the fibrous material obtained in the mixing step into an oil press and pressing it.

2. The method for extracting Calophyllum oil according to claim 1, wherein the fibrous material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of fruit shells, seed coats and plant bodies.

3. The method for extracting Calophyllum oil according to claim 1, wherein the fibrous material comprises husks of Calophyllum seeds.

4. A method for extracting Calophyllum oil as described in claim 1, wherein in the mixing process, the total fiber content contained in the mixture of Calophyllum seeds and fibrous materials is adjusted to a range of 8% by dry weight or more and 31% by dry weight or less.

5. A method for extracting Calophyllum oil as described in claim 1, wherein in the mixing process, the total fiber content contained in the mixture of Calophyllum seeds and fibrous materials is adjusted to a range of 31% by dry weight or more and 55% by dry weight or less.

6. A method for extracting Calophyllum oil as described in claim 1, wherein in the mixing step, the total fiber content contained in the mixture of Calophyllum seeds and fibrous materials is adjusted to a range of 15% by dry weight or more and 40% by dry weight or less.

7. A method for extracting Calophyllum oil as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the mixing step, the moisture content contained in the mixture of Calophyllum seeds and fibrous material is adjusted to 15% by weight or less.

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