A process for solvent extraction of oils, in an extraction chamber, comprises
the
formation of a solvent mist with significant adiabatic cooling, whereby a pressure
difference between the solvent inlet and outlet of the extraction chamber drives
the solvent mist through the raw oil bearing. The solvent is fed to the extraction
chamber at pressures exceeding atmospheric pressure, and the outlet of the extraction
chamber is subject to a partial vacuum. An apparatus for solvent extraction comprises
an extraction chamber for receiving oil bearing raw material therein, said extraction
chamber comprising a solvent spray injection system connected via an inlet to a
high pressure solvent feed circuit portion, said extraction chamber further connected
via an outlet to a low pressure circuit portion connected to a gas recovery vacuum
pump system.