Separation efficiency and energy consumption of oil expression using a screw-press: The case of Jatropha curcas L. seeds

摘要: The performance of oil expression from Jatropha curcas L. (Jatropha) seeds using a pilot scale continuous screw press was studied. influence seed pre-treatment, i.e. whole, crushed and deshelled seeds, screw-press operational settings (shaft rotational speed cake outlet section) investigated. For each experiment, the material flows (seeds, crude oil) were measured analysed for their oil, water solids contents. behaviour very sensitive to preparation. It shown that whole good reproducibility obtained, whereas or heterogeneity feed led unsteady pressing conditions important discrepancies in performance. presence shells contributes build porous solid matrix which favours flow through cake. correlation between recovery throughput proposed. mass balance consistency carefully yield determined direct an indirect method. A linear throughputs observed: is always divided stream same proportion. This result shows residual amount carried by are directly related determine efficacy separation. Thus, given material, sediment content can be predicted knowing recovery. energy consumption during modelled as function content. specific mechanical less than 5% minimum requirement generally observed at recoveries 70% 80%.