GB823545A - New process for extracting oil from cashew-nuts and apparatus for carrying this out - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0823545/III/1> <PICT:0823545/III/2> A process for extracting oil from cashew nuts is characterized in that the extracting action proceeds from the inside of the nuts towards the outside. This may suitably be achieved by subjecting the nuts to the action of high-frequency micro-waves for 5-15 minutes, or alternatively radio-frequency heating may be used. As shown, a suitable embodiment comprises an automatic feed container 1 (Fig. 2) which feeds the nuts on to endless conveyer belt 4 made of porcelain or heat-resistant glass. The belt slowly passes between the two electrodes 3 which radiate at microwave frequency thereby heating the nuts from the interior towards the exterior. The oil which flows out falls through the belt into container 7 which is placed beneath, and is then run off to storage. On leaving this zone the nuts fall on to the perforated holders 9 of a bucket chain of another conveyer belt 8 (Fig. 3). There the nuts are submitted to cleansing by hot water sprays 10 which remove any oil which adheres to the skin of the nuts. At the end of belt 8, the nuts fall, while still hot, into container 12 and thence into autoclaves 13 where they are treated for from about 1-3 minutes, after which they are discharged by compressed air, which also serves to separate the kernels from the skins. The nuts are then thrust to the bottom of the autoclave, and on to a conveyer belt 14 which takes them to tables where the kernels and skins are sorted.