Solvent Extraction Plant

What is solvent extraction?

Solvent extraction is a highly efficient chemical oil extraction method used to separate oils from oilseeds, vegetables and nuts. The process uses food-grade solvents (primarily hexane) and yields oil in excess of 95%, far exceeding traditional mechanical extraction methods. As a leading manufacturer of oil extraction equipment, KMEC offers state-of-the-art solvent extraction plant designed for maximum efficiency, low operating costs and superior oil quality.

Why choose KMEC’s solvent extraction Plant?

KMEC is a globally recognized leader in solvent extraction technology, providing turnkey solutions for edible oil production. Our expertise encompasses plant design, equipment manufacture and operational optimization to ensure cost-effective, high-performance oil extraction systems.

Key benefits of KMEC solvent extraction equipment:

• High Adaptability – Processes various oil-bearing materials (soybean, sunflower, rapeseed, etc.)
• Automated Control System – Reduces labor intensity and enhances precision
• Energy-Efficient Evaporation – Combines steam and mechanical vacuum for lower production costs
• Premium Components – Uses high-quality pumps and reducers to minimize equipment failure
• Advanced Solvent Recovery – Reduces solvent loss and ensures environmental compliance
• Optimized Heat Exchange – Maximizes steam utilization for reduced energy consumption

How does the solvent extraction process work?

The solvent extraction process consists of several stages, each optimized for performance and efficiency:

1. Seed preparation: Cleaning, cracking, dehulling, conditioning and flaking of oilseeds. Pre-pressing is recommended for seeds with high oil content.

2. Oil Extraction: Mixing of prepared materials with a food grade solvent (usually hexane) to solubilize the oils.
Desolventization-Toasting (DT): The de-oiled meal is heated to evaporate residual solvents and then toasted to improve nutritional quality.

3. Drying and cooling: Ensures that the final powder is safe for storage and further use, typically in animal feed.

4. Distillation: Removing solvents from the oil under controlled heat and vacuum conditions.

5. Solvent recovery: Vaporized solvents are condensed and reused in a closed-loop system, making the process sustainable and cost-effective.

Advantages of solvent extraction compared to mechanical pressing

• Higher oil yield (more than 95% compared to 60-70% in pressing)
• Less residual oil (only 0.5% of the meal remains)
• Lower power consumption – more energy efficient
• Minimal maintenance – fewer problems with mechanical wear and tear
• Scalability – ideal for large scale production of edible oils

Applications of solvent extraction in edible oil Industry

KMEC’s oil extraction equipment is widely used in processing:

• Soybean Oil
• Sunflower Oil
• Rapeseed/Canola Oil
• Cottonseed Oil
• Peanut Oil
• Corn Germ Oil

Why KMEC stands out in the field of solvent extraction technology

• Decades of industry experience – trusted by customers around the globe
• Customized plant solutions – tailor-made for different oilseeds
• Advanced engineering – ensures high extraction efficiencies
• Competitive pricing – cost-effective without compromising on quality

Contact KMEC for customized solvent extraction solutions!

Whether you are planning to build a new solvent extraction plant or upgrade your existing oil extraction equipment, KMEC is your one-stop solution provider. Contact our team today to learn more about our reliable systems, innovative technologies and how we can help you optimize your edible oil production process.

Solvent Extraction Equipment