Oleoresin Solvent Extraction Plant
Oleoresin Solvent Extraction Plant
Mechotech's oleoresin solvent extraction plants are designed for continuous or batch extraction of spice and botanical oleoresins using food-grade hexane or ethyl acetate. Our closed-loop solvent recovery system achieves more than 98% solvent reuse, reducing operating costs and meeting zero-emission standards.
Oleoresins are concentrated liquid extracts capturing both volatile aromatics and fixed oils from plant materials. Mechotech's plants use counter-current extraction columns, falling-film evaporators, and vacuum distillation to strip the solvent while preserving heat-sensitive aromatic compounds.
Manufacturing Process
Raw Material Preparation
Grinding, moisture adjustment, and flaking of botanical feedstock for optimal solvent contact.
Counter-Current Extraction
Multi-stage extraction column ensures complete active compound transfer into solvent phase.
Miscella Filtration
Removal of fine plant particles from the solvent-extract mixture (miscella).
Falling-Film Evaporation
Gentle low-temperature concentration of the miscella to remove bulk solvent.
Vacuum Stripping
Final solvent removal under vacuum preserving aromatic compounds.
Solvent Recovery
Recovered solvent condensed and recycled back into the extraction loop.
Applications
- Spice oleoresins — paprika, black pepper, turmeric, ginger
- Herbal oleoresins for pharmaceutical use
- Food flavour concentrates for beverage industry
- Natural colour oleoresins (paprika, annatto)
- Cosmetic botanical extracts
Key Features
Closed-Loop Solvent Recovery
More than 98% hexane recovery reduces operating cost and eliminates atmospheric emissions.
SS 316L Food-Contact Surfaces
All product-contact parts in pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel, meeting FDA and FSSAI requirements.
Vacuum Evaporation System
Low-temperature processing under vacuum preserves heat-sensitive aroma compounds.
Explosion-Proof Design
Full ATEX/PESO-rated electrical and instrumentation for safe solvent-zone operation.
Automated PLC Control
Recipe-driven batch management with electronic batch records for GMP traceability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which solvents does the plant support?
What capacities are available?
Can the plant process multiple botanicals?
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