Soybeans are the world’s most dominant source of vegetable oil, with more than 370 million metric tons being processed this year—more than the other six highest-volume oilseeds combined. Since solvent extraction is the most commonly used method of extracting vegetable oil, it makes sense that most of the world’s solvent extraction equipment is designed specifically…
Understanding Hexane Extraction of Vegetable Oils
The solvent extraction of vegetable oils like soybean oil dominates the oilseed industry as the most popular extraction method used around the world. Most large-scale solvent plants use hexane extraction to chemically separate oilseeds into liquid fat and solid protein—popular ingredients in the food industry and many other market sectors. Amid growing concern for natural,…
Meeting the global demand for shea oil and shea butter extraction
Although it only grows in a limited swath of sub-Saharan African parklands, the wild shea tree supplies the entire world with enough shea nuts to meet the growing demand for both shea oil and shea butter. African civilizations have been processing shea nuts by hand for centuries, using tedious traditional methods of shea butter extraction…
Advancing Solvent Extraction with the Invention of the Expander
Since Anderson International invented the first continuous mechanical screw press in 1900, the company has continued improving and innovating its extraction equipment for different applications. After an accidental modification of the Expeller led to the creation of Expanders in the 1950s, this value-added machine made a monumental impact on processing efficiencies across various industries. Here’s…
Stabilization: The Key to Quality Rice Bran Oil
When the outer layer of brown rice, or bran, is removed to make white rice, it sets off a ticking time bomb for processors. The milling process activates an enzyme in the bran that quickly breaks down lipids—destroying the valuable fat that could otherwise be extracted as rice bran oil. Moreover, raw rice bran has…
Overcoming the Challenges of Sunflower Seed Processing
As one of North America’s only native oilseed crops, sunflowers have been a popular commodity for ages. Recognized by its bright yellow blooms, the sunflower’s appeal lies deeper than its ornamental value, thanks to its oil-rich seeds. To reach this valuable plant’s full potential (and profit), processors need to understand the ins and outs of…