EcoXtract (2-Methyloxolane) is an organically derived solvent that has similar thermal values to hexane and is largely immiscible with water. The product is already recognized as an USDA 100% bio-based product (Bio-preferred label) and will potentially be considered organic. Its plant origin offers the opportunity to produce clean label defatted oilseed that can be used for Human & Feed applications.
Testwork has been conducted on a Pilot and Small Production scale on soy and pre-pressed Canola. Test results to date have been quite positive showing low residual oil at similar solvent:feed ratios to Hexane.
This paper will discuss these results and provide a comparison of products and utilities compared to Hexane. We will also discuss changes to traditional Hexane Solvent Plant flowsheets and equipment to accommodate the new solvent.
