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.
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.
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.
Rapeseed
Soybeans
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
Meal desolventizer
Distillation and solvent recovery
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.
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.