In the realm of small and medium - sized oil mills, the pursuit of higher oil extraction rates is a constant endeavor. The precise operation and process optimization of screw oil presses stand as the linchpin in achieving this goal. This article delves deep into the practical aspects of the ZY24 (202 - 3) continuous screw oil press, specifically tailored for the extraction of oil from rapeseeds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
Let's first understand the working principle of the screw oil press and its key influencing factors. The screw oil press operates on the principle of mechanical extrusion, where the raw materials are fed into the press chamber, and through the rotation of the screw shaft, pressure is gradually applied to squeeze out the oil. This process has a profound impact on enhancing the production capacity of small and medium - sized oil mills. By optimizing the operation of the screw oil press, these mills can significantly boost their output and improve the quality of the refined oil.
The operation of the screw oil press can be broken down into four core steps: raw material moisture control, crushing particle size, press chamber pressure adjustment, and temperature management. Each step is crucial for achieving optimal oil extraction.
Raw Material Moisture Control: Different raw materials have different optimal moisture levels. For example, rapeseeds generally require a moisture content of around 8 - 10%. If the moisture is too high, it can lead to poor oil separation; if it's too low, the oil yield may decrease. Therefore, accurate moisture control is essential.
Crushing Particle Size: The size of the crushed raw materials affects the contact area between the raw materials and the screw shaft, as well as the flow of oil in the press chamber. For peanuts, a medium - sized crush is usually preferred to ensure efficient oil extraction.
Press Chamber Pressure Adjustment: The pressure in the press chamber directly determines the oil extraction rate. By adjusting the screw shaft speed, the gap between the press bars, and the distribution of the pressing sections, the pressure can be optimized according to the characteristics of different raw materials.
Temperature Management: The temperature in the press chamber also plays a vital role. A proper temperature can reduce the viscosity of the oil, making it easier to flow out. For sunflower seeds, a temperature range of 100 - 110°C is often recommended.
Each type of oilseed, such as rapeseeds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, has its own unique characteristics. Rapeseeds have a relatively high oil content and a hard outer shell, so a higher screw shaft speed and a smaller press bar gap may be required. Peanuts, on the other hand, are softer and have a different oil - bearing structure, which calls for different parameter settings. Sunflower seeds have a large amount of fiber, and proper adjustment of the pressing section distribution can help achieve better results.
In the industry, there are several common operational mistakes. One of the most frequent ones is the neglect of raw material pre - treatment. Some operators may skip the step of moisture control or crushing, which can lead to sub - optimal oil extraction. Another mistake is the improper adjustment of press chamber parameters, such as setting the pressure too high or too low. To avoid these mistakes, operators should follow the correct operating procedures and make adjustments based on the actual situation.
According to a survey of 50 small and medium - sized oil mills, those that implemented the correct operation methods of the screw oil press saw an average increase in oil extraction rate of 5 - 8% and a significant improvement in the quality of the refined oil.
In conclusion, by mastering the practical operation skills of the screw oil press, small and medium - sized oil mills can significantly enhance their equipment utilization rate and the quality of the refined oil. Whether you are a front - line technician or a manager in the oil - pressing industry, these insights can help you achieve better results.