For small to mid-sized oil refineries, choosing between secondary pressing and solvent extraction is one of the most critical decisions in process optimization. Both methods have distinct advantages depending on feedstock type, energy efficiency goals, and final product quality requirements — especially when processing cottonseed versus peanut.
| Criteria | Secondary Pressing (Two-stage) | Single Solvent Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Residual Oil in Meal (%) | 6–9% | 1.5–3% |
| Energy Consumption (kWh/kg oil) | ~3.5 | ~2.2 |
| Equipment Investment (USD) | $150K–$250K | $200K–$350K |
| Refining Complexity | Moderate (higher phospholipid content) | High (requires advanced degumming and bleaching) |
These figures reflect real-world performance from over 30 operational plants across Southeast Asia and Africa. While solvent extraction yields higher oil recovery, it demands more complex refining steps — particularly for peanuts, which contain natural antioxidants that can interfere with neutralization processes if not properly managed.
Cottonseed has a higher fiber content and naturally occurring gossypol, making it less suitable for single-stage solvent extraction without pre-treatment. A two-step pressing system — starting with a ZY24 (202-3) spiral press as the primary extractor — ensures better meal quality and reduces downstream refining costs by up to 18%.
One client in Vietnam reported a 12% increase in yield after switching from single extraction to secondary pressing using ZY24 equipment. Their key insight? “The continuous operation of the ZY24 machine allows consistent throughput, minimizing downtime and stabilizing temperature gradients — crucial for maintaining protein integrity in cottonseed meal.”
“We used to lose 3–4% oil per batch due to inconsistent feeding. Now, with the ZY24 (202-3), our residual oil stays below 7%, and we’re seeing fewer rejects in the refining stage.”
If your facility prioritizes:
But here’s the catch: even in solvent extraction setups, the first press step matters. That’s where the ZY24 (202-3) shines — its robust design handles both raw material variability and continuous flow, ensuring stable output even during seasonal fluctuations in kernel moisture content.
Many operators overlook this detail until they face unexpected production halts or inconsistent cake quality. The ZY24 isn’t just another press — it’s the backbone of efficient oil extraction systems worldwide.
See how the ZY24 (202-3) spiral press performs under real conditions — from cottonseed to peanut processing.
Explore ZY24 Series Performance Data
