Extraction of Rice Bran Oil Using Methanol: Process Optimization, Thermodynamic Modeling, and Free Fatty Acid Reduction

Rice bran oil (RBO) is a valuable edible oil known for its nutritional and industrial significance. This paper explores the methanol-based extraction process of RBO, focusing on process optimization, thermodynamic modeling, and free fatty acid (FFA) reduction. Methanol enhances extraction efficiency due to its polarity and miscibility with oil and water phases [1]. Thermodynamic models such as NRTL and UNIQUAC accurately predict liquid–liquid equilibria in multicomponent systems [2][3]. Aspen Plus software facilitates simulation and optimization, enabling sensitivity analysis and energy-efficient design [4]. Process conditions such as temperature, solvent-to-solid ratio, and extraction time are optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to maximize oil yield [5]. Additionally, integrating kinetic modeling and FFA removal improves oil quality and sustainability [6]. This review highlights recent advances and future directions in simulation-assisted extraction of RBO.