Development of an effective method of microwave treatment of sunflower kernel to increase oil extraction

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2026.352514

Keywords:

sunflower, microwave processing, microwave radiation, mechanical pressing, oil yield, experimental planning, optimization

Abstract

The study focused on microwave processing of sunflower seeds and a unit for its implementation during the preparation stage for mechanical pressing. This unit intensifies the destruction of the kernel's cellular structure, increases oil yield, and maintains its quality within acceptable limits.

The aim was to increase the extraction of high-quality sunflower oil.

The design features of a pilot unit for microwave seed processing and the optimal parameters for microwave seed processing were determined.

It was established that maximum oil extraction without degrading its quality is achieved by using a gentle microwave processing mode, which prevents overheating, changes in the structure and chemical composition of the kernel, and increased oxidation processes. The unit was applied at a power of 500 watts for 150 seconds with a 42 mm layer of peeled sunflower seeds. With these values, the oil yield was approximately 57.4%. Uniform grain distribution within the processed layer was achieved by using a guide spiral and a rotating horizontal disk, which ensures uniform movement and height of the moving layer.

A distinctive feature of the obtained results is the use of a microwave processing unit consisting of a guide spiral, a rotating horizontal disk, and an experimental methodology using second-order rotatable planning to determine the relationship between oil yield and microwave power, duration, and seed layer thickness on the rotating disk surface.

These results can be scaled up for use in industrial vegetable oil production facilities for domestic consumption and increased potential exports

Author Biographies

Akzhol Suleimen, Almaty Technological University

Master of Technical Sciences

Department of Machines and Apparatuses of Production Processes

Baurzhan Nurakhmetov, Almaty Technological University

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor, First Vice-Rector

Ardak Askarov, Almaty Technological University

PhD, Assistant Professor

Department of Machines and Apparatuses of Production Processes

Yevgeniy Medvedkov, Almaty Technological University

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor

Department of Machines and Apparatuses of Production Processes

Ilyas Nurakhmetov, Almaty Technological University

Master of Technical Sciences

Department of Automation and Robotics

References

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Development of an effective method of microwave treatment of sunflower kernel to increase oil extraction

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Published

2026-02-27

How to Cite

Suleimen, A., Nurakhmetov, B., Askarov, A., Medvedkov, Y., & Nurakhmetov, I. (2026). Development of an effective method of microwave treatment of sunflower kernel to increase oil extraction. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 1(11 (139), 56–65. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2026.352514

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 11 (139) (2026): Technology and Equipment of Food Production

Section

Technology and Equipment of Food Production

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Copyright (c) 2026 Akzhol Suleimen, Baurzhan Nurakhmetov, Ardak Askarov, Yevgeniy Medvedkov, Ilyas Nurakhmetov

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