Chemical processes involve the mixing of various components and fractions of substances together to form the desired product. But this is not always the case. Some chemical processes require extracted components from an already existing substance to completely undergo its processing. While most of the chemical and plant-based substances that go into the production of food and pharmaceutical products can be obtained directly, some components need to be extracted.

So, how is it that a fraction of a component can be extracted from an amalgam or a mixture? To understand the various ways in which this is realized, read on.

What are the various extraction methods to separate fractions of a mixture?

Depending on the type of chemical substance or plant-based component that has to be separated from its constituent fractions, the heat transfer coefficients of the different components, the volume of components to be separated, and the number of components to be extracted, different methods can be employed. The most common and widely used methods are:

• Cold press extraction
• Steam distillation
• Solvent extraction

All the above methods can be employed with equipment from established companies like LeDab.ca for the successful extraction of various components from most of the mixture.

But some mixtures can be separated only by the application of a specific method from the three, depending on the physical, chemical, and thermodynamic constitution of the mixture.

For example, cold press extraction can be used only for the separation of liquid components from a solid body, like in the case of oil extraction. In this guide, we will be talking about the cold press extraction process specifically.

What is cold press extraction?

Cold press extraction is the oldest method of plant-based extraction used. It has been used for centuries in the successful extraction of plant oil from seeds and flowers. It is a mechanical process that involves the use of two rotating presses to squeeze out the pulp from a plant’s seed or flower or bark. Contradicting the name, it does not involve the use of any cooling agents.

How is cold press extraction carried out?

When the solid parts of a plant-based substance are passed through two hydraulic presses, the fiber parts get separated from the oil. The oil is squeezed out through the collecting duct and collects on the tray.

This method is carried out at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The oil, thus, collected from the pressing of solid substance does not require any treatment and can be used directly. It is a traditional method and is still in practice owing to its high efficiency.

To conclude, it is important to note that cold press is a conventional method that has limited applications but very effective results. This is why using cold press extraction for plant-based extractions is advisable.