Solvent extraction

At Desmet, our solvent extraction process efficiently separates prepared seeds into crude oil and protein meal fractions. Utilizing a countercurrent, multi-stage washing with commercial hexane solvent, we ensure maximum oil extraction. After washing, the solvent-laden meal is desolventised, while the oil/solvent mixture, known as ‘miscella’, proceeds to distillation for further processing.

Extraction

Full process

In 1946, Jean-Albert De Smet designed the first horizontal process for the continuous extraction of oilseeds. Today, according to your specific needs, we provide a complete range of extractors to process prepared oilseeds into solvent extracted meal and crude oil.

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Advantages

Our solvent extraction process offers numerous advantages that enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in oil extraction.

Safety

Process Safety Management (PSM) programs and Hazardous Operations (HazOp) analysis to minimize fire and explosion risks.

Efficiency

High extraction efficiency, ensuring maximum oil yield.

Cost

Lower operating and maintenance costs, making the process economically viable.

Energy

Reduced downstream energy demand, enhancing overall energy efficiency.

Automation

Advanced process automation and centralized supervision for streamlined operations.

Versatility

Capable of processing multiple feedstocks, offering flexibility in raw material usage.

Raw materials

Our solvent extraction processes are developed to extract oil from high-quality raw materials such as rapeseed, soybeans, and sunflower. These oilseeds, amongst others, are selected for their high oil content and nutritional value, ensuring optimal extraction efficiency and quality of the final products.

Other oilseeds

Rapeseed

Rapeseed

Soybeans

Soybeans

Sunflower

Sunflower

Key proprietary equipment

The solvent extraction process features advanced key proprietary equipment, including solvent extractors and desolventiser toasters. These components ensure efficient oil extraction and desolventising, delivering high performance and reliability for the oilseed processing industry.

Solvent extractors

Solvent extractors

Our extractors are known as Reflex (fixed bottom, deep bed), LM (moving bottom, deep bed), and LLL (fixed bottom, shallow bed). Each is designed to address the diverse needs and preferences of the global crushing industry.

Meal desolventizer

Meal desolventizer

On top of the traditional countercurrent DT, our “new patented process”, called VRX, is specially oriented towards minimizing steam consumption, thus reducing the most relevant part of the OPEX in crushing.

Distillation and solvent recovery

Distillation and solvent recovery

The latest innovation has been applied to the Distillation and Solvent Recovery system, enhancing the plant’s efficiency and reliability.

The world's largest plant

Desmet technology enables the world's largest plant to operate at maximum efficiency, with a daily processing capacity of 33,000 metric tons of soybeans. This capacity is achieved through two production lines, one with a capacity of 22,000 metric tons per day and the other with 11,000 metric tons per day.

solvent extraction

Our services

With a focus on cutting-edge technology, high-quality components, and comprehensive on-site support, our service teams ensure optimized plant performance and minimized operational disruptions.

Plant automation

Enhance efficiency and control with our plant automation solutions, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance for your operations.

Replacement parts

Ensure reliability and longevity with our high-quality replacement parts, designed to maintain and enhance your plant's productivity.

Site services

Maximize uptime and operational efficiency with our on-site services, gaining expert support and maintenance tailored to your needs.

R&D and Innovation

Enhance processes and technologies to address and anticipate market challenges and trends, for more quality output and performance.

Talk to our experts

Looking to invest in a better future? As an experienced and innovation-driven plant designer, we can deliver the technologies for you to create quality food, feed and biofuel. Our teams of experts are happy to help you with any question.

Contact us