If you're running a small-scale oil production business and considering cold-pressing sunflower seeds, getting the right equipment setup is just as important as choosing the raw material. Many new operators face low oil yields or inconsistent quality—not because of poor ingredients, but due to overlooked technical details in operation.
“In our experience with over 200 small clients, 70% of yield issues come from improper moisture control during pre-treatment—not faulty machinery.” — Lin Wei, Senior Process Engineer at Shandong AgriTech
Start by removing dust, stones, and foreign matter using a vibrating sieve. Then use a mechanical de-huller—ideal for seeds with shell content under 15%. For seeds above this level, consider a two-stage cleaning system. A well-cleaned seed batch can boost your final oil extraction rate by up to 8–12%.
Too much moisture (>8%) leads to poor press efficiency—it causes clogging and reduces oil flow. Too little (<4%) makes kernels brittle and increases fiber loss. The sweet spot? 5.5–6.5%. Use a grain moisture meter before pressing to ensure consistency across batches.
| Moisture Level (%) | Impact on Yield | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| <4% | Reduced oil recovery, higher fiber waste | Add water (spray mist) evenly |
| 5.5–6.5% | Optimal yield (avg. 38–42%) | Proceed directly to pressing |
| >8% | Clogging, lower throughput | Dry seeds naturally or use low-temp dryer |
For a 50–100 kg/h capacity cold press, set initial pressure at 30–40 MPa. Monitor output: if oil flows slowly after 10 minutes, increase pressure incrementally by 5 MPa until optimal flow is achieved. Never exceed 50 MPa—it damages both the screw and the product quality.
We’ve helped dozens of small businesses avoid these pitfalls through free installation support and hands-on training sessions. Whether you’re setting up your first cold-press unit or optimizing an existing one, we’re here to guide you step-by-step.
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