This special CO2 extraction equipment was designed for the oil extraction from roasted sesame but it is a plant which is not just producing highly valuable oil, but also protein rich residue. With its extractor volume of 3,8m³ and its basket volume of 2,6m³ it is working at a scale where even those medium valuable products can be extracted economically. Back then it represented the largest 550bar CO2 extraction plant which was built. The product was superior to conventionally available oils and contained much higher levels of antioxidants like sesamol and tocopherol as well as of bioactive compounds like phytosterols and selenium. It also enriched the flavor of the oil which results in a better taste. The germicidal properties of supercritical CO2 further enhance the quality of the oil.

The extraction process begins with the preparation of sesame seeds, which are typically cleaned, dried, roasted and ground to increase the surface area for better interaction with the supercritical CO2. The ground seeds are then placed in an extraction basket which is loaded inside a vessel, where CO2 is introduced under high pressure and temperature to have a good solubility but without destroying the valuable compounds within the oil and the protein. This supercritical CO2 penetrates the sesame seeds, dissolving the desired compounds which are then going to the separation section of the plant. Here, the pressure is reduced, causing the CO2 to revert to its gaseous state and leaving behind the extracted compounds in liquid form, which are collected for further processing or use. The CO2 can be recycled from the main stream and also from the oil, and is reused, making the process environmentally friendly.

The produced oil and the protein and then available after the depressurization without any chemical residues in its pure form.