Optimum Extraction of Watermelon Seed Oil Using Different Methods

The process and results of oil extraction from watermelon seed using two different methods are studied and compared. The results show that the optimum conditions for solvent extraction are solvent petroleum ether (b.p.60-90 ℃), extraction temperature 60 ℃, extraction time 2 h, ratio of material to liquid 1∶8 (g∶mL), and the extraction rate is up to 48.2%. The optimum conditions for ultrasonic assisted extraction are solvent petroleum ether, extraction temperature 50 ℃,120W ultrasonic treating for 30 min, ratio of material to liquid 1∶12(g∶mL), and the extraction rate is up to 50.8%. It shows that the ultrasonic assisted extraction is superior to solvent extraction with the advantages of lower temperature, short time and higher extraction rate.