How is n-Hexane used in the extraction of soybean oil?

Basicly what im asking is; how is soybean oil extracted using n-Hexane? I mean the process. An answer or a good link would be great.


thanksHow is n-Hexane used in the extraction of soybean oil?
The soybeans are ground to a meal and rolled into flakes.





The flaked meal is treated with n-Hexane (as a solvent) to extract the oil.





The n-Hexane is separated from the meal by filtration or centrifugation.





The solvent is then remove by evaporation at a reduced pressure and re-cycled into a new batch of meal. The soybean oil is then purified.





Some methods extract the n-Hexane solution with water based chemicals to help purify the product.





Some soybean oil extraction methods do not use n-Hexane, but instead use physical means to crush the beans and ';press'; the oil for separation.