In the sunflower oil production industry, low oil yield is a common problem that troubles many small and medium-scale enterprises. This article focuses on this issue, providing in - depth analysis and practical solutions through real - world cases.
Seed pretreatment is the first step in improving sunflower oil yield. Moisture control and impurity removal efficiency are crucial factors. For example, if the moisture content of sunflower seeds is too high, it can lead to lower oil yield and affect the quality of the oil. According to a case study of a small - scale enterprise, by strictly controlling the moisture content of sunflower seeds between 8% - 10%, the oil yield increased by about 3%. In addition, improving the impurity removal efficiency can also reduce the wear and tear of equipment and improve the quality of the final product. A well - designed impurity removal system can remove up to 95% of impurities, which is essential for subsequent processes.
The shelling rate directly affects the oil yield. An efficient shelling machine can improve the shelling rate to over 90%. For instance, a medium - scale sunflower oil production enterprise replaced its old shelling machine with a new high - efficiency one. As a result, the shelling rate increased from 80% to 92%, and the oil yield increased by approximately 4% due to the reduction of shells in the pressing process.
One of the key points in this article is the scientific selection between cold and hot pressing processes. Cold pressing usually maintains a lower temperature (below 60°C), which can preserve the nutritional value of the oil but may result in a relatively lower oil yield. In contrast, hot pressing (around 100 - 120°C) can significantly improve the oil yield. According to a data comparison of two small - scale enterprises, the enterprise using hot pressing technology increased its oil yield by 8% compared to the one using cold pressing. However, hot pressing may also lead to some loss of nutrients. Therefore, enterprises need to make a scientific choice based on their market positioning and product requirements.
Filtration is an important step in ensuring the quality of sunflower oil. A high - precision filter can effectively remove impurities and improve the clarity of the oil. For example, an efficient filter can reduce the impurity content in the oil to less than 0.1%. By using a high - quality filter, a small - scale enterprise reduced oil loss during the filtration process by about 2%, thereby increasing the overall oil yield.
The refining process can further improve the quality of sunflower oil. Through processes such as degumming, deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization, the quality of the oil can meet higher market requirements. For example, a medium - scale enterprise improved the quality of its refined oil through a set of advanced refining equipment, which not only increased the oil yield by about 3% but also enhanced the market competitiveness of the product.
Different - scale enterprises have different requirements for equipment. Small - scale enterprises may focus on cost - effectiveness and choose relatively simple and practical equipment combinations. Medium - scale enterprises may require more advanced and efficient equipment to improve production efficiency and product quality. The following table shows a simple equipment matching reference for different - scale enterprises:
| Enterprise Scale | Key Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Small - scale | Simple impurity removal machine, basic shelling machine, small - capacity press, common filter | Meet basic production needs |
| Medium - scale | High - efficiency impurity removal system, advanced shelling machine, large - capacity press, high - precision filter, refining equipment | Improve production efficiency and product quality |
In addition, equipment maintenance is also very important. Regular maintenance can ensure the normal operation of equipment, reduce breakdowns, and extend the service life of equipment, which is crucial for long - term production capacity.
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