From the standpoint of oil production

solvent extraction is the most efficient method known for processing oil seeds. Ethyl alcohol ia one of the most common organic solvents and has a relatively lower price than others. The oil and meal yield from the alcohol extraction of soybean have considerab-ly better flavor and color than those from extraction with petroleum products or other solvents. On the basis of the data obtained

several important points may be mentioned as follows in connection with the use of ethyl alcohol as a solvent for soybean oil extraction: a. A comparison of the alcohol extraction of the whole sample with that of the ground sample shows that on the average

the rate of extraction of the ground sample is almost twenty times as fast as that of the whole sample. b. The smaller the particle size is

the higher will be the yield of the oil. obtained. If the sample is grounded to pass 40 mesh screen

the highest yield will be obtained. c. Extraction temperature: Soybean oil is insoluble in the alcohol at room temperature. Its solubility increase with increase in temperature. It is better to extract the oil at boiling point of the alcohol solution. d. The concentration of ethyl alcohol: Since soybean oil is insoluble in water

higher concentration of alcohol will give higher yield. As shown by this experiment

poor result will be obtained if the concentration of alcohol is less than 89%.