A New Device and System Using Hydrostatic Pressing to Extract Pumpkin Oil

This study aims to extract pumpkin oil using a novel device and system based on hydrostatic pressing. This system includes a hydrostatic test unit and an extraction device made of 316 L stainless steel, designed for complete disassembly to improve handling and facilitate cleaning after the removal of the extracted oil, as well as maintenance of the sealing system. The extraction was carried out with a press capable of 50,000 psi (344.74 MPa). Three different extraction times: 2, 4, and 8 h, and three extraction pressures: 10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 psi (68.95, 137.89, and 206.84 MPa) were tested. A custom reactor was developed for use in the hydrostatic press. The oil yields and certain properties of the pumpkin oil obtained were evaluated. The results show that the oil yield increases with both pressure and extraction time. The maximum yield, 30.17%, was achieved at 206.84 MPa with an extraction time of 8 h. Under these optimal conditions, the oil properties were as follows: an acid value of 0.8 mg KOH/g, a density of 900.0 kg/m 3 , and a kinematic viscosity of 47.7 mm 2 /s. The ANOVA was employed to determine whether significant differences exist in yield, acid value, density, and kinematic viscosity, based on extraction pressures and extraction times. As for the new extraction system using hydrostatic pressing, its potential for industrialization and the technical and economic feasibility will be explored in future work.