How to Increase Oil Yield in Small and Medium-Sized Oil Mills: Optimizing Raw Material Preprocessing and Screw Press Parameters
2025-10-08
Tutorial Guide
This article focuses on the ZY24 (202-3) screw oil press, offering a detailed guide on how small and medium-sized oil mills can improve oil extraction efficiency. It explores critical preprocessing steps such as moisture control, crushing granularity, and tailored preparation for different oilseeds like rapeseed, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. The piece also delves into precise adjustment of pressing parameters—including膛 pressure, screw speed, pressing plate clearance, and segment configuration—and emphasizes temperature management’s impact on both yield and oil quality. Real-world operational pitfalls are addressed with practical solutions, supported by technical insights from field engineers. Designed for technicians and plant managers, this guide bridges theory and practice to boost productivity and profitability. Ideal for those in the consideration phase of upgrading their oil extraction processes.
How to Boost Oil Yield in Small-Medium Scale Oil Mills Using ZY24 (202-3) Screw Press
For small and medium-sized oil mills, every percentage point of increased oil yield directly impacts profitability—and the ZY24 (202-3) screw press is a proven workhorse when optimized correctly. Based on field data from over 120 installations across India, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe, properly adjusted pre-treatment and pressing parameters can boost extraction rates by up to 8–12% compared to standard settings.
Key Step 1: Raw Material Preparation – The Foundation of Efficiency
Before any pressing begins, raw material preparation must be precise. For example:
- Cold-pressed peanuts: Optimal moisture content should be between 7–9%. Too dry (< 6%) leads to poor fiber breakdown; too wet (>10%) increases pressure loss in the barrel.
- Canola seeds: A particle size of 1.5–2 mm ensures even distribution in the screw chamber—critical for consistent output.
- Sunflower kernels: Pre-heating at 45–50°C before pressing improves oil flow without damaging quality.
| Oilseed Type |
Recommended Moisture (%) |
Ideal Particle Size (mm) |
| Peanuts |
7–9 |
1.5–2.0 |
| Canola |
6–8 |
1.2–1.8 |
| Sunflower |
5–7 |
1.0–1.5 |
Press Parameters That Matter Most
The real magic happens during operation—not just in setup. Here’s what experts recommend:
- Screw speed: Keep it between 15–25 rpm for optimal compression. Faster speeds reduce dwell time and lower oil recovery.
- Barrel pressure: Target 25–35 bar depending on seed type. Exceeding 40 bar risks mechanical stress and inconsistent cake formation.
- Temperature control: Maintain 60–70°C inside the press. Higher temps increase fluidity but may degrade volatile compounds in premium oils like sunflower or flaxseed.
“In our experience, many operators overlook temperature regulation—it’s not just about getting oil out, but preserving its quality. A 5°C deviation can mean a 3% drop in refined oil yield.” — Rajesh Kumar, Senior Engineer, AgroTech Solutions, India
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Even experienced teams make these errors:
- Overloading the feed hopper: Leads to uneven feeding and reduced throughput. Use a metered conveyor system if possible.
- Ignoring wear patterns on the screw blades: After 6 months of continuous use, blade sharpness drops significantly—schedule inspections every 90 days.
- Using the same settings across all oilseeds: Each seed has unique characteristics. Always calibrate based on input batch.
If you’re managing a small-to-mid scale oil mill and want to maximize both yield and machine longevity, the ZY24 (202-3) screw press offers exceptional ROI when used correctly—with proper training and process discipline.
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