Sonication Effect on Modified Ultrasound Assisted Aqueous Extraction (UAAE) of Rice Bran Oil Yield

Abstract

Rice bran oil (RBO) is extracted using ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction (UAAE) with minor modifications to the separation process. Although conventional methods such as solvent extraction or mechanical pressing are more commonly used in the RBO industry, UAAE is one of intensification processes that can increase RBO productivity. In this study, sonication operating conditions such as time and temperature and solid/liquid to ratio were studied to obtain the optimum yield. The results indicated that the sonication time and temperature positively affected the yield increase, while SLR led to a decline after reaching 0.2 g / ml. The highest yield was obtained at the sonication time of 60 seconds, SLR 0.2 g / ml, and sonication temperature of 40°C, 17.6%. Besides, the relative energy consumption of UAAE at temperatures of 20 and 40°C, and aqueous extraction (AE) were also investigated. Besides producing the highest yield, UAAE at 40°C has a lower relative energy consumption than others, so it can be considered a prospective method of RBO extraction. Further development on UAAE and its combination with other methods are needed to fulfill economies of scale of the RBO industry.