Nutsche Filter Oil Seed Extraction Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting oil from seeds are either costly or result in denaturation of proteins in the de-oiled flour, making them unsuitable for plant-based food products.
Innovation Solution
A process using a Nutsche filter to separate seed oil from flour at temperatures below 60°C, achieving oil separation of at least 97%, while maintaining the native form of proteins in the flour.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solvent extraction is performed at high temperatures to efficiently separate oil from flour, then oil separation efficiency is improved, but proteins in the flour undergo denaturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional high temperatures to a controlled low temperature range (20-60°C, preferably 30-50°C). This parameter change enables efficient oil extraction while preventing protein denaturation, as the lower temperature maintains protein stability throughout the extraction process
2Productivity
If multiple extraction steps are performed to maximize oil removal, then oil separation efficiency is improved, but processing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous solvent extraction where fresh solvent continuously contacts the flour material in the Nutsche filter. This continuous action achieves complete oil removal (≥97%) in a single continuous process rather than requiring multiple discrete extraction steps, thereby maintaining high productivity while reducing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The Nutsche filter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the extraction vessel, filtration device, and solvent removal chamber. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate units and steps into a single integrated system, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining extraction efficiency
3Productivity
If conventional solvent extraction methods are used to extract maximum oil, then oil separation efficiency is improved, but solvent content in the resulting flour increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements solvent recovery by evaporating and collecting the solvent after extraction. The Nutsche filter is heated to evaporate residual solvent from the extracted flour, and the evaporated solvent is condensed and recovered for reuse. This process reduces solvent content in the final flour product to trace levels while maintaining complete oil extraction efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This process efficiently separates oil from seeds with minimal solvent usage, resulting in a de-oiled flour with high protein content and native protein structure, suitable for further processing into plant-based food products.
Implementation Method 1
extracting oil with solvent using a Nutsche filter
Implementation Method 2
desolventing the de-oiled flour which step optionally comprises collecting evaporated solvent
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are processes for separating seed oil from seed flour that is economical and produces a de-oiled flour that maintains the native form of proteins in the flour.