Cold press vs solvent extraction for castor oil

Castor oil cold pressing process

Cold pressing is a physical extraction method that involves pressing castor seeds at low temperatures (usually below 60°C). The oil in the castor seeds is squeezed out through mechanical pressure and filtered to produce pure castor oil. This method retains the nutrients and natural flavor of the castor seeds to the greatest extent possible.

Process : Cleaning and removing impurities → Crushing/cooking → Low temperature pressing → Crude oil filtration → Refining

Castor Oil Solvent Extraction Process

Solvent extraction uses an organic solvent (such as n-hexane) to dissolve and extract the oil from castor seeds. Pretreated castor seeds are mixed with an organic solvent, dissolving the oil in the solvent to form a mixed oil. Through processes such as evaporation and distillation, the organic solvent is separated from the mixed oil to produce crude castor oil.

Process : Cleaning and removing impurities → Crushing and cooking → Pre-pressing → Solvent extraction → Mixed oil evaporation → Distillation → Crude oil collection → Refining

Cold Pressed vs. Solvent Extracted: Pros and Cons

Simply put, cold pressing and solvent extraction each have their own advantages. Choosing which process to use depends primarily on your market positioning, budget, and environmental requirements. We can recommend the right castor oil processing equipment based on your specific needs and provide comprehensive technical support to help you achieve success in castor oil production.