As a small or medium-sized oil processing plant manager, you know that every decision—especially around extraction technology—impacts your bottom line. When it comes to cottonseed and peanut processing, one of the most common dilemmas is choosing between two-stage pressing and single-stage solvent extraction. Both have their place—but only if matched correctly with your raw material characteristics, production scale, and long-term goals.
Let’s start with real numbers:
| Process Type | Cottonseed (Residual Oil) | Peanut (Residual Oil) | Energy Consumption (kWh/kg) | Refining Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Stage Pressing | 6–8% | 7–9% | 1.2–1.5 | Moderate (higher free fatty acids) |
| Single-Stage Solvent Extraction | 1–2% | 1–3% | 0.8–1.1 | High (requires more advanced refining steps) |
Notice how peanuts naturally yield higher residual oil after pressing compared to cottonseed? That’s because peanut kernels are softer and contain more moisture. If you're running a 5–10 tons/day facility and want consistent output without excessive energy use, two-stage pressing might be your best bet—especially when working with peanuts.
But here's where many operators make a mistake: assuming “more oil extracted = better profit.” In reality, solvent extraction gives lower residual oil but requires significant investment in equipment, safety compliance, and skilled labor. For smaller plants, this often means longer payback periods—and higher risk if volume fluctuates.
This is where the ZY24 series continuous screw press becomes critical—not just as an option, but as a strategic enabler. Unlike batch presses, these machines provide stable throughput even under variable feed conditions. They’re ideal for both processes:
In a case study from a mid-sized oil mill in India, switching from intermittent pressing to ZY24-based continuous pressing reduced downtime by 22% and improved overall yield consistency across both cottonseed and peanut batches.
Still unsure which path fits your operation? Ask yourself: Do you prioritize simplicity and reliability—or maximum oil recovery at higher cost?
If you're producing less than 10 tons/day and value operational stability over marginal gains in oil yield, go with two-stage pressing + ZY24 screw press. If you're scaling toward 20+ tons/day and have access to trained technicians, single-stage solvent extraction could offer better margins—if done right.
The key isn't choosing one process over another—it's aligning your technology stack with your business model. And remember: a well-integrated system like the ZY24 series doesn’t just improve performance—it builds confidence in your team, your customers, and your future growth.
Download Our Free Process Selection Checklist for Small Oil Mills
