The pretreatment of sunflower seed raw materials is a crucial step in the cold - pressing process. Cleaning the sunflower seeds can remove impurities such as dust, soil, and small stones. This not only improves the quality of the final oil but also protects the cold - pressing oil machine from damage. According to industry experience, dirty raw materials can reduce the service life of the equipment by up to 20%.
When it comes to shelling, removing the shells can significantly increase the contact area between the seeds and the pressing parts, thereby improving the oil - extraction efficiency. The following is a standard operation flowchart for raw material pretreatment:
During the cleaning process, pay attention to the water temperature and flow rate. The water temperature should be controlled at around 20 - 30°C, and the flow rate should ensure that the seeds are fully washed without being washed away. When shelling, adjust the gap of the shelling machine according to the size of the sunflower seeds to avoid crushing the kernels.
Moisture content is a key factor affecting cold - pressing efficiency and oil quality. Excessive moisture can lead to a decrease in pressing efficiency, as the water in the seeds will take up space and reduce the effective pressing area. At the same time, it can also cause the oil to be more prone to oxidation and spoilage, affecting the shelf - life and quality of the oil.
To measure the moisture content, you can use a professional moisture meter. Generally, the moisture content of sunflower seeds for cold - pressing should be controlled at about 8% - 12%. If the moisture content is too high, you can dry the seeds in a well - ventilated area or use a dryer at a low temperature (below 40°C). If it is too low, you can spray a small amount of water evenly on the seeds and let them stand for a period of time to allow the water to penetrate evenly.
The regulation of cold - pressing pressure has a crucial impact on the oil - extraction rate and oil quality. Increasing the pressing pressure can generally increase the oil - extraction rate, but if the pressure is too high, it may cause the oil to contain more impurities and affect the clarity and quality of the oil.
In general, the initial pressing pressure should be set at a relatively low level (about 5 - 10 MPa) to allow the seeds to be gradually compressed and the oil to start flowing out. Then, gradually increase the pressure to 20 - 30 MPa to improve the oil - extraction rate. During the pressing process, pay attention to observing the oil - outflow situation and adjust the pressure in time.
There are many reasons for a low oil - extraction rate. For example, improper raw material pretreatment, incorrect moisture content, or inappropriate pressing pressure. If the oil - extraction rate is low, first check the raw material pretreatment process to ensure that the seeds are clean and properly shelled. Then, measure the moisture content and adjust it to the appropriate range. Finally, check and adjust the pressing pressure.
Based on on - site experience, in most cases, after adjusting the moisture content and pressing pressure, the oil - extraction rate can be increased by about 5% - 10%.
Industry technicians have accumulated a lot of practical experience in improving the stability and efficiency of cold - pressing oil machines. For example, regularly lubricating the moving parts of the machine can reduce friction and wear, and improve the service life of the machine. In addition, cleaning the filter screen in time can prevent blockage and ensure the smooth flow of oil.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of the cold - pressing oil machine are essential for its long - term efficient operation. Generally, the machine should be cleaned after each use to remove residual seeds and oil. Every month, a comprehensive inspection and maintenance should be carried out, including checking the tightness of bolts, the wear of parts, and the performance of electrical components.
Penguin Group provides professional installation training and technical support services for small - scale enterprises. Our technicians will install the equipment on - site and train the operators on the correct operation methods, maintenance knowledge, and troubleshooting skills. In addition, we also provide 24/7 technical support to ensure that your equipment can operate stably and efficiently at all times.
Do you have any questions about the operation of the cold - pressing oil machine, the improvement of the oil - extraction rate, or the maintenance of the equipment? Feel free to leave your questions below, and our experts will answer them as soon as possible. Share your experiences and insights, and let's learn and grow together!
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