What are the main methods of soybean oil extraction? And what is the extraction process?

Soybean oil is one of the most widely consumed vegetable oils in the world. It is extracted from the seeds of the soybean plants through a series of extraction methods. There are usually two main methods: soybean oil extraction, one is physical pressing method and the other is chemical solvent extraction method. Below, I will introduce them to you one by one.

1. Soybean oil physical pressing method

The pressing method is the traditional method of soybean oil extraction. It involves the use of pressing plants, such as a screw press or oil press, to physically force the oil out of soybean seeds. This method is more suitable for small-scale operations and requires minimal chemical usage. However, it may result in lower oil yields compared to solvent extraction method. The process typically consists of the following steps:

Cleaning: The soybeans are thoroughly cleaned to remove impurities such as dirt, stones, and foreign materials.

Cracking: The soybeans are cracked into smaller pieces to facilitate the extraction process.

Soybean oil pressing plants

Flaking: The cracked soybeans are then flattened into flakes, which increases the surface area for oil extraction.

Cooking: The soybean flakes are heated to a specific temperature to enhance oil extraction efficiency.

Pressing: The heated flakes are subjected to high pressure in mechanical presses, squeezing out the oil from the flakes.

Filtration: The extracted oil is then filtered to remove any remaining solids or impurities.

Soybean oil pressing plants

2. Soybean oil chemical solvent extraction method

Solvent extraction is the most commonly used industrial method of soybean oil extraction. It involves using organic solvents to dissolve and extract the oil from soybean seeds. This method ensures high oil yields but requires careful monitoring to minimize solvent residue in the final product. The process involves the following steps:

Preparation: The soybean flakes are prepared by cleaning, cracking, and flaking, which is similar to the soybean oil pressing process.

Extraction: The prepared flakes are mixed with a solvent, which selectively dissolves the oil while leaving behind the solid residue.

Soybean oil solvent extraction plants

Desolventizing: The solvent-oil mixture is then separated from the solid residue through a process called desolventizing, which involves the removal of the solvent from the oil.

Distillation: The solvent is recovered through distillation, leaving behind the soybean oil.

Soybean oil refining plants

The above is an introduction to two soybean oil extraction methods. Each method of soybean oil extraction has its own advantages and limitations. The physical pressing method is suitable for small-scale operations, while chemical solvent extraction remains the most widely used industrial method. The choice of soybean oil extraction method depends on factors such as the size of the operation, required oil yield, cost considerations, and the need for specific oil qualities. If you want to purchase soybean oil extraction plants, please contact us! We have the above two kinds of soybean oil extraction plants. And our team of engineers will provide you with professional advice on soybean oil extraction plants selection.