Are you a small business owner using cold pressing equipment to extract sunflower seed oil? You may often encounter various problems during the cold pressing process. This article will detail the practical points of moisture control and pressing pressure adjustment, combined with first - line technical experience, to help you avoid common pitfalls, improve oil yield, and ensure stable operation of the equipment.
Before starting the cold pressing process, proper raw material pretreatment is crucial. Cleaning and shelling are two important steps. For example, removing impurities through cleaning can prevent them from entering the pressing chamber, which may cause blockages and affect the normal operation of the equipment. According to industry experience, uncleaned raw materials can reduce the oil yield by about 5% - 10%. Shelling can also improve the oil yield, as sunflower seed shells contain little oil. Removing them can increase the contact area between the oil - containing parts and the pressing mechanism. 
The moisture content in sunflower seeds has a significant impact on both the pressing pressure setting and the oil - extraction efficiency. Generally, if the moisture content is too high, the pressing pressure needs to be increased to achieve the same oil yield. However, excessive pressure may damage the equipment and reduce the quality of the oil. On the other hand, if the moisture content is too low, the oil may not be easily separated from the seeds, resulting in a lower oil yield.
| Moisture Content (%) | Recommended Pressing Pressure (MPa) | Estimated Oil Yield (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 - 10 | 20 - 25 | 38 - 42 |
| 10 - 12 | 25 - 30 | 35 - 38 |
| 12 - 14 | 30 - 35 | 32 - 35 |
A technical expert suggests: "Maintaining the moisture content of sunflower seeds between 8% - 10% is the most ideal state for cold pressing, which can balance the pressing pressure and oil yield."
During the pressing process, dynamic adjustment of the pressing pressure is necessary. For example, at the beginning of the pressing, a relatively low pressure can be used to gradually squeeze out the oil. As the pressing progresses, the pressure can be gradually increased to ensure maximum oil extraction. Here is a real - world case: A small business adjusted the pressing pressure according to the pressing time. In the first 10 minutes, the pressure was set at 20 MPa, and then it was gradually increased to 30 MPa in the next 20 minutes. This method increased the oil yield by about 3% compared with using a constant pressure. 
If you find that the oil yield is lower than expected, there could be several reasons. Firstly, check the moisture content of the raw materials. As mentioned above, improper moisture content can lead to low oil yield. Secondly, inspect the pressing equipment. Worn - out parts or incorrect installation may also affect the pressing effect. For example, a damaged pressing screw can reduce the pressure transfer efficiency, resulting in less oil being squeezed out. Thirdly, consider the quality of the raw materials. Low - quality sunflower seeds may have a lower oil content to begin with.
To troubleshoot, start by measuring the moisture content of the seeds. If it is outside the recommended range, adjust it through drying or humidifying. Then, conduct a thorough inspection of the equipment, and replace any damaged parts. If the problem persists, consider changing the source of the raw materials.
We provide professional installation, commissioning, and operation training services to help you quickly get started without taking detours. Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, our services can make your cold - pressing process more efficient and worry - free. If you have any questions about cold - pressing technology, please leave a message below. We look forward to your feedback and will use it to improve our content. Learn more about our cold - pressing solutions
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