Small - scale enterprises often face numerous challenges when using cold - pressing equipment for sunflower seed oil production. This article comprehensively covers the core technologies and practical skills of using cold - pressing equipment for sunflower seed oil, integrating the experience of front - line technicians in the industry.
Raw material processing is the first step in the cold - pressing process. Cleaning and shelling are crucial for improving oil quality and equipment efficiency. For example, dirty raw materials can cause blockages in the press, while unshelled seeds may reduce the oil yield. The cleaning process should remove impurities such as dust, stones, and broken seeds. Shelling can be carried out using specialized shelling machines. As shown in Figure 1, a proper shelling machine can effectively separate the shells from the seeds, ensuring that the raw materials entering the press are of high quality. 
Moisture content in sunflower seeds significantly affects the cold - pressing process. If the moisture is too high, it can lead to low oil yield and poor oil quality; if it is too low, the seeds may be too dry, also reducing the oil yield. Generally, the moisture content of sunflower seeds should be controlled between 8% - 12%. Front - line technicians often use moisture meters to measure the moisture content accurately. Figure 2 shows a moisture meter in use. By adjusting the drying time and temperature, enterprises can achieve the optimal moisture content for cold - pressing. 
Pressing pressure is another key factor in the cold - pressing process. Different raw materials and equipment require different pressing pressures. For sunflower seeds, the appropriate pressing pressure usually ranges from 30 - 50 MPa. If the pressure is too low, the oil yield will be low; if it is too high, it may damage the equipment. Front - line technicians adjust the pressing pressure based on the equipment's specifications and the characteristics of the raw materials. Through continuous practice, they can find the optimal pressure point to maximize the oil yield.
Improving the oil yield is the ultimate goal of using cold - pressing equipment. In addition to the above factors, proper pretreatment of raw materials and reasonable adjustment of the pressing process can also improve the oil yield. For example, some enterprises use microwave pretreatment technology to break the cell walls of sunflower seeds, which can increase the oil yield by about 5% - 10%. Table 1 shows the comparison of oil yields before and after microwave pretreatment.
| Pretreatment Method | Oil Yield |
|---|---|
| Without Pretreatment | 35% - 40% |
| Microwave Pretreatment | 40% - 50% |
During the operation of the cold - pressing equipment, various faults may occur. Common faults include blockages, abnormal noises, and low oil yields. For blockages, technicians usually check the feeding port and the pressing chamber to remove the blocked materials. If there are abnormal noises, it may be due to loose parts or wear and tear of the equipment. In this case, technicians need to tighten the parts or replace the worn - out components. By referring to Figure 3, users can better understand the structure of the cold - pressing equipment and carry out fault diagnosis. 
We encourage users to share their experiences and ask questions in the comments section below. Our professional technicians will answer your questions in a timely manner. This interactive Q&A session aims to enhance user participation and promote knowledge sharing among users.
Penguin Group provides comprehensive technical support, installation and commissioning services, and operation training. Our professional after - sales team can help you solve various problems in the process of using the equipment. Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, our services can help you master the core of cold - pressing technology, improve processing efficiency, and enhance product quality. If you want to learn more about our cold - pressing equipment and services, please click here.
