Seed Oil Extraction with NIR Feedback and Supercritical CO2
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting oil from seeds result in low oil yields, typically between 52% and 55% during pre-pressing and 84% +/- 8% during post-pressing, and are inefficient in terms of energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize continuous measurement and control of moisture, fiber, and oil content using NIR-based technology, combined with carbon dioxide as an extraction agent, to optimize the extraction process, including conditioning and mechanical pressing stages with adjustable parameters for improved yield and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carbon dioxide is added as an extraction agent to improve oil yield, then extraction efficiency increases, but device complexity and energy consumption increase due to supercritical state requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide, which requires specific pressure and temperature parameters to achieve the supercritical state. This enables enhanced extraction efficiency while managing device complexity through controlled parameter adjustments during the extraction process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase transitions of carbon dioxide between gaseous, liquid, and supercritical states. The CO2 is pressurized and heated to achieve supercritical state for extraction, then depressurized to return to gaseous state for separation, enabling efficient oil extraction while facilitating process control
2Productivity
If continuous measurement and control systems are implemented to optimize extraction parameters, then oil yield and energy efficiency improve, but device complexity and initial energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring moisture and fiber content of the pressed material and using this information to adjust extraction parameters in real-time. The control system modifies operational parameters based on measured values to optimize oil yield and energy efficiency throughout the extraction process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual sampling and laboratory analysis with continuous online measurement systems using NIR (near-infrared) technology. This substitution enables real-time detection of moisture and fiber content without mechanical intervention, facilitating automated control decisions and improving process efficiency
3Productivity
If moisture and fiber content are precisely controlled through continuous measurement, then extraction efficiency improves, but measurement precision requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sampling and laboratory measurement methods with non-contact NIR optical measurement systems. This substitution enables continuous, precise measurement of moisture and fiber content through optical properties without mechanical intervention, maintaining measurement precision while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pressed material itself provides the measurement information through its inherent optical properties. The NIR measurement system detects moisture and fiber content directly from the material's spectral characteristics without requiring external additives or complex preparation, enabling self-characterization of the material
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
Achieves oil yields of 54% to 59% during pre-pressing and 87% +/- 3% during post-pressing, with significant energy savings and reduced fluctuations, by continuously adjusting process parameters based on real-time measurements.
Implementation Method 1
By dissolving the extraction agent in the extract (oil), a significant reduction in viscosity (flowability) can be achieved, so that the extract can flow off more easily. One such extraction agent is carbon dioxide, for example, which is mixed with the pressed material in the form of supercritical carbon dioxide, and the oily extract is then dissolved in the supercritical carbon dioxide at very high pressures.
Implementation Method 2
A first measuring device for detecting the moisture and/or fiber content and/or the oil content of the pressed material in the area of the at least one conditioner is arranged
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a process and a device for obtaining oil from seeds, wherein at least one of the parameters of moisture, fibre content and oil content of the pressed material is continuously measured and evaluated according to the invention, thus making it possible to continuously control at least one of the following variables: moisture of the pressed material, speed of the press drive and amount of an extraction agent supplied. The oil yield can be increased, the fluctuations in the oil yield can be reduced and energy can be saved by implementing the device-related and process-related features according to the invention.