C) Extraction using centrifuges

This technology is used to produce high quality oils. In a further extraction step it can be used to gain azadirachtin. In a pilot plant a powder containing 15% azadirachtin has been gained from the cake.

Investment costs: approx. US$ 3.5 - 5 million for a complete plant with an annual capacity of more than 2000 t of neem kernels.

Advantages:

· efficient exploitation of azadirachtin
· stable powder product
· neem oil, free of bitter principles
· technology can be used for other oils (e.g. castor oil, etc.)

Disadvantages:

· very high investment costs
· only profitable on a large scale
· complicated technology
· no experience concerning scaling with neem
· additional solvents are required.