In the competitive landscape of edible oil production, small to mid-sized oil mills are increasingly focused on optimizing both efficiency and output quality. One often overlooked yet critical factor is the design of the spiral shaft in continuous screw presses—a technical detail that directly influences material throughput, pressure distribution, and ultimately, oil yield.
The spiral shaft acts as the engine of the press, pushing oilseed through a confined chamber where mechanical force extracts the oil. Its geometry—specifically pitch, diameter, and material composition—determines how effectively it handles different feedstocks. For instance:
| Oilseed Type | Recommended Pitch (mm) | Avg. Oil Yield Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Peanuts | 60–80 | +7–12% |
| Soybeans | 70–90 | +5–10% |
| Canola Seeds | 50–70 | +8–15% |
According to Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed, an agricultural engineer at Cairo University’s Food Processing Lab, “A mismatched spiral pitch can reduce effective compression by up to 30%, especially when processing fibrous materials like sunflower or sesame.” This underscores why one-size-fits-all equipment rarely delivers optimal results.
Many operators overlook temperature control during pre-pressing. However, warming the feedstock to 45–60°C before entering the screw press significantly improves oil flow and reduces viscosity. In field tests conducted across Indian and Vietnamese mills, this simple step increased oil extraction by an average of 6.2% while lowering energy consumption per ton of processed seed by 8–12%.
“Preheating isn’t just about convenience—it’s a strategic lever for maximizing return on investment in small-scale operations.” —— Maria Lopez, Operations Director, Latin American AgriTech Group
Common mistakes include ignoring raw material compatibility (e.g., using soybean settings for rapeseed) or selecting excessively high RPMs to boost capacity without considering fiber damage and heat buildup. These errors not only lower yields but also compromise oil clarity and shelf life.
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