Supercritical fluid extraction of vegetable oil seeds

The extraction of oil from canola seeds using supercritical carbon dioxide was investigated. The basic equations which govern the oil extraction from a bed of seeds were derived from first principles. The equations can be solved by standard numerical techniques using experimentally determined parameters for the concentration of oil in the solvent in equilibrium with seeds having a known oil content. Preliminary extraction rate data and equilibrium data are given for crushed canola seed during extraction using supercritical carbon dioxide at select temperatures and pressures. The research is directed at obtaining the basic information required for the design of continuous countercurrent extractors.