In the present study, the optimization aimed to maximize rapeseed oil yield by selecting the suitable screw pressing conditions, i.e., the best nozzle diameter, press head temperature, and screw frequency in the applied experimental domain, by employing the desirability function method.
How is rapeseed oil obtained?
Rapeseed oil was obtained by cold pressing in a laboratory hydraulic press (Sirio, Mikodental, 10-ton strength, 40 MPa maximum pressure) at room temperature. The procedure was done in triplicate. Upon pressing, oil samples were immediately analyzed.
How are rapeseed seeds extracted?
The rapeseeds were milled using a laboratory mill (A11 basic, IKA, Germany) and sieved into 1 mm fractions. The obtained fraction of seed material (about 20 g) was treated with petroleum ether (b.p. 60¨C90 °C) within 7 h. The extraction of the seed oil was done in triplicate. The oil content of the seeds was 40.9?±?0.1%.
How rapeseed is de-hulled?
In the de-hulling plant, the rapeseed (left) is first crushed and the lighter hulls (right) are separated from the heavier kernels (center). Alongside soybean, rapeseed is the most important oil globally, and rapeseed oil is also the most popular cooking oil in Germany.