Choice of solvents:
An ideal solvent for the extraction of oil from oil seeds should possess the following properties:
* Good solubility of the oil.* Poor solubility of non-oil components.* High volatility (i.e. low boiling point), so that complete removal of
the solvent from the miscella and the meal by evaporation is
feasible and easy.* Yet, the boiling point should not be too low, so that extraction can
be carried out at a somewhat high temperature to facilitate mass
transfer.* Low viscosity.* Low latent heat of evaporation, so that less energy is needed for
solvent recovery.* Low specific heat, so that less energy is needed for keeping the
solvent and the miscella warm.* The solvent should be chemically inert to oil and other
components of the seed flakes.* Absolute absence of toxicity and carcinogenicity, for the solvent
and its residues.* Non-inflammable, non-explosive.* Non-corrosive* Commercial availability in large quantities and low cost.