Techno-Economic Analysis of Integrated Enzyme Assisted Aqueous Extraction of Soybean Oil

Abstract

<p>Aqueous oil extraction is a process which replace organic solvent, hexane is most used in solvent extraction, with water. Comparing to typical solvent extraction and expelling processes, the aqueous extraction has higher oil yield (over 80%) than expelling process and that is exempt the issues resulted from chemical loading and remaining. The enzyme was used to improve the breakdown of cell and release free oil. The enzyme assisted aqueous extraction process (EAEP) includes dehulling, flaking, extraction and demulsification processes. SuperPro Designer was used to conduct the techno-economic analysis (TEA) of the extraction process. The total capital investment, operation cost and profits were evaluated. For EAEP extraction, that uses insolubility of water and oil, hence that could extract oil and protein simultaneously which decreases the operation cost especially on oil purification process and increases the profits from main product, soybean oil, and coproduct mainly protein in skim. Additionally, the free chemical loading and enzyme recycling also decrease material costs. Though the facility costs might increase due to extraction and demulsification processing unit, the value-added coproduct and high free oil yield are potential to have economic feasibility in pilot scale production.</p>