Edible Oil Refining Methods: Types & Selection Guide

How many types of refining methods are there in the edible oil refining process? For those planning an edible oil refinery, this is a key question. Edible oil refining methods are mainly classified by operation mode and deacidification technology.
By operation mode, there are three types: batch refining system, semi-continuous refining system, and full-continuous refining system. By deacidification technology, there are two: chemical refining and physical refining. Choosing the right one is vital for your refinery's success.

First, let's clarify the 4 core stages of edible oil refining: degumming, deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization. These stages remove gums, free fatty acids (FFA), pigments, and off-flavors from crude oil, improving storage stability, flavor, and color to meet edible standards. All three operation modes cover these four stages—their similarities lie in this core function, while differences determine your choice.



Key Differences Between the Three Refining Systems

1. Equipment Configuration: Batch systems use four independent tanks (degumming, deacidification, decolorization, deodorization). Semi-continuous systems replace the deodorization tank with a deodorization column. Full-continuous systems use both decolorization and deodorization columns instead of tanks, with optimized supporting equipment.

2. Automation Level: Batch systems process oil batch by batch, requiring frequent manual operation. Semi-continuous systems achieve continuity only in deodorization. Full-continuous systems run automatically throughout the entire process, ensuring stable quality and low labor input.

How to Choose the Right Refining Method?

Your choice depends on capacity, crude oil type/finished oil requirements, and budget.

1. Capacity: Batch systems suit small scale (1-10 T/D) due to low investment. Semi-continuous systems fit medium scale (20-50 T/D), balancing efficiency and cost. Full-continuous systems are for large scale (50+ T/D), with high throughput and low long-term costs.

2. Crude Oil & Quality Requirements: High FFA crude oil (palm oil, rice bran oil, coconut oil) needs physical refining—semi-continuous or full-continuous systems (using columns with direct steam) are ideal, with lower oil loss. Batch systems use chemical refining (NaOH neutralization), suitable for low FFA crude oil but with higher loss.

3. Budget: Batch systems have the lowest initial cost. Full-continuous systems have the highest initial investment but the lowest operating and labor costs long-term.

Henan Doing Mechanical Equipment Co., Ltd. is a professional Chinese manufacturer of edible oil refining equipment, with global export experience. If you’re planning an edible oil refinery, contact us for tailored advice on choosing the best refining method!


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http://www.doingoilmachine.com 
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Boost Your Palm Kernel Oil Yield: The Power of Modern Palm Nut Crushing & Shell Separation

For those in the palm oil industry, efficiency is everything. The traditional, manual methods of processing palm nuts are not only slow and labor-intensive but also limit your potential output and profit.

The key to unlocking higher productivity lies in automating the core steps: cracking and separating. Today, we’re highlighting how an advanced palm kernel nut crusher and palm nut shell separator work together to revolutionize your production line.

Why Upgrade to an Automated System?

Maximized Kernel Recovery: Our specialized palm kernel nut crusher is designed to crack nuts by size. This precise cracking action significantly reuses the rate of broken kernels, ensuring you get more high-quality, whole kernels from your raw material.

Perfectly Clean Separation: After cracking, the mixture of kernels and shells needs to be cleaned. This is where the palm nut shell separator comes in. Using advanced air separation technology, it cleanly blows away lighter shells, allowing the denser, valuable kernels to be collected separately. The result is pure, dry kernels ready for high-quality oil extraction.

Lower Costs, Higher Profits: By automating this process, you drastically reduce reliance on manual labor and minimize human error. This translates directly to lower operational costs and a faster return on your investment.

See the System in Action!

Words can only say so much. In the video below, you can see the entire automated process—from the initial cracking in the palm kernel nut crusher to the final, clean separation in the palm nut shell separator.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/7_hH45JCcrM?si=2q0fyOOJDpBacBTa

Ready to Transform Your Processing Plant?

If you're looking to increase your capacity, improve your kernel quality, and boost your bottom line, it's time to move beyond manual methods.

➡️ Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quotation and detailed product information. Let our experts help you find the perfect solution for your needs.

WhatsApp: +86 13526627860 (https://wa.me/8613526627860)
Email: market@doinggroup.com
Official Web:
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http://www.doingoilmachine.com
 

Palm Kernel and Shell Separation: 3 Common Methods

Separating palm kernels from their shells is a key step in palm oil processing. Based on practical experience, there are three main methods for this separation—including traditional practices and advanced technical solutions. Henan Glory Company will elaborate on each method for you.

1. Traditional Water Separation Method in Nigeria
In Nigeria, local people commonly use the water separation method to separate palm kernels and shells. This is a manual process that requires significant labor input, leading to high labor costs. Additionally, the palm kernels retain substantial moisture after separation, which can impact the quality of the resulting palm kernel oil.

2. Crushing + Manual Separation Method
Some users first use a palm kernel crushing machine to husk palm nuts, then rely on workers to separate kernels and shells using sieves. This method also has low efficiency. Some customers have reported using vibrating screens for separation, but the results are unsatisfactory due to the similar weight of palm kernels and shells—gravity alone is insufficient for effective separation, resulting in a low separation rate.

3. DOING Palm Kernel Cracker and Shell Separator System
To address the challenges of difficult separation and low production efficiency, engineers at Henan Glory Company conducted extensive research and testing to develop the palm kernel cracker and shell separator system.

This system combines gravity and air separation technologies, leveraging differences in weight and force-bearing area between kernels and shells. During operation, palm kernels fall downward under gravity, while shells are lifted to the top by airflow and discharged through a dedicated outlet. The entire process is fully automatic, resolving issues related to separation efficiency and automation.

The DOING Brand palm kernel cracker and shell separator system has been exported to numerous countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Uganda. If you aim to improve separation efficiency and reduce labor costs, contact us today—we will provide operation videos and offer factory-direct pricing.

WhatsApp: +86 13526627860 (https://wa.me/8613526627860)
Email: market@doinggroup.com
Official Web:
http://www.palmoilextractionmachine.com
http://www.edibleoilextractionmachine.com
http://www.doingoilmachine.com

 

Skip Costly Repairs & Keep Production Flowing: Essential Upkeep Tips for Your Soybean Oil Press Machine

Your soybean oil press machine is the backbone of your oil production—keeping it running smoothly isn't just a task, it's a way to avoid costly downtime and keep oil quality consistent. With simple, regular upkeep, you can extend its lifespan and cut down on repairs. Here's Henan Glory's go-to maintenance playbook:

1. Non-Negotiable Daily Cleanup

After every shift, tear down the press chamber to clear leftover soybean cake. Hardened cake buildup clogs the chamber, strains the motor, and risks bacterial contamination in future batches. Wipe the machine's exterior too—oil and dust buildup turns into a tough, grimy layer that's a hassle to remove later. If the press sits idle for over an hour, pull out the screw shaft to clear hidden cake scraps (this prevents jams when restarting).

2. Lubrication: Keep Parts Moving Smoothly

Key moving components depend on proper lubrication to avoid wear:

Screw shaft: Lubricate it at the start of every shift to prevent dry grinding damage.
Gearbox: Check the oil level every 50 operating hours; replace the oil (and inspect its quality) once a year.
Bearings & bushings: Lubricate them regularly, and clear clogged oil holes right away. Neglecting this leads to overheated bearings or seized parts—costly to fix and disruptive to production.

Structure of oil press machine

3. Read the Signs: Spot Issues Early

Your press machine gives clear warnings when something's off—learn to "listen and look":

Unusual noise: Shut down immediately (this could mean a metal fragment/stone in the chamber, or a loose fastener).
Cloudy oil: Likely from overly dry soybeans or low machine temperature (aim for 60-70℃—the exterior should feel warm to the touch).
Low pressing capacity/excess slag leakage: Check for worn screw shafts, misaligned press bars, or too much chamber pressure.

Address these small issues fast (e.g., replace worn parts) to keep oil quality high and avoid bigger breakdowns.

4. Proper Shutdown: Don't Just Flip the Switch

Shutting down correctly prevents buildup and damage:

1-2 minutes before powering off, close the feed plate to stop adding soybeans.
Reverse the screw shaft 2-3 times to widen the cake outlet gap—let all leftover slag/cake fully discharge.

Only then turn off the power switch.

5. Long-Term Storage: Prevent Rust & Damage

If the press will be idle for a while:

Disassemble key parts (screw shaft, press bars, cake outlet ring) and clean them thoroughly.
Coat parts with a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.
Store everything in a clean, dry area—so your press is clog-free and ready to run when production resumes.

Three types of oil press machine

Consistent maintenance is the secret to your soybean oil press machine's long-term efficiency. At Henan Glory, we don't just supply reliable cooking oil processing equipment—we partner with you to keep your production line on track. Our technical support and spare parts services are here to help you avoid downtime and keep producing top-quality oil.


Official Web:
http://www.cookingoilmillmachinery.com 
http://www.edibleoilextractionmachine.com 
http://www.doingoilmachine.com 

WhatsApp: +86 13526627860 (https://wa.me/8613526627860)
Email: market@doinggroup.com 

A Comprehensive Guide to Cooking Oil Production Methods

 Edible oil serves as a fundamental ingredient in culinary practices worldwide. Incorporating appropriate amounts of cooking oil not only enhances the nutritional value of meals but also significantly improves the flavor and texture of various dishes. This article explores the primary industrial methods for producing cooking oils, focusing on two predominant techniques: mechanical pressing and solvent extraction.

Mechanical Pressing: Traditional Efficiency
The pressing method represents the optimal choice for oil-bearing crops with high lipid content, including peanuts, sunflower seeds, and soybeans. This conventional approach follows a systematic production sequence comprising:
1. Raw material cleaning and preparation
2. Controlled heating/cooking
3. Mechanical oil extraction
4. Oil clarification/filtration

Cooking oil pressing machine

Modern pressing operations achieve remarkable efficiency, with residual oil content in the processed cake typically reduced to below 8%. The resulting oil generally requires minimal additional processing before being suitable for direct consumption or commercial distribution.

For entrepreneurs considering small to medium-scale operations:
1. Compact integrated press-filter units represent ideal solutions for workshop-scale production
2. Larger facilities processing over 10 tons per day benefit from complete production lines incorporating all essential processing stages

Solvent Extraction: Maximum Yield Solution
The solvent extraction method demonstrates particular effectiveness for materials containing approximately 20% oil content, such as rice bran and specific soybean varieties. For high-oil commodities, manufacturers often implement a preliminary pressing stage to reduce oil content to approximately 15% before proceeding with solvent extraction.

This sophisticated process involves:
1. Comprehensive raw material pretreatment (cleaning, cooking, flaking, expanding)
2. Hydrocarbon-based oil dissolution and recovery
3. Thorough desolventizing of both oil and meal

Cooking oil solvent extraction machine

The remarkable efficiency of solvent extraction reduces residual oil in the final meal to under 1%, creating valuable animal feed byproducts. However, crude oil obtained through this method must undergo complete refining before achieving edible quality. This approach becomes economically viable for operations handling 30 tons or more of materials daily.

Conclusion: Selecting the Appropriate Method
Both mechanical pressing and solvent extraction offer distinct advantages for different production scenarios and scales. The optimal choice depends on multiple factors including raw material characteristics, production volume requirements, and investment capacity.

As a professional provider of oil processing solutions, Henan Company offers comprehensive technologies and equipment for both production methodologies. Our engineering team stands ready to assist you in developing the most efficient and profitable oil production system tailored to your specific requirements.


🌐 Explore more:
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www.cookingoilmillmachinery.com
www.edibleoilextractionmachine.com 
www.sunfloweroilextractionmachine.com 
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How palm oil processing differs from the pressing of general oilseeds

Palm fruit and general oilseed like peanut, sunflower, soybean, cottonseed are different oil seeds, and need different pressing processes and machines. In the pressing process of palm oil and common oil, it generally requires several steps of pretreatment, pressing, clarification and drying. Below we will compare in detail the difference between palm oil making and general oilseed press.

1. Raw material differences

Palm oil is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). The raw material is the fresh fruit bunch (FFB), which contains a mix of both mesocarp (the fleshy part of the fruit) and kernel (the hard inner seed). The mesocarp, which makes up the majority of the fruit, is rich in oil and is the primary source for palm oil extraction. The kernel, though also containing oil, is usually processed separately to extract palm kernel oil (PKO).

In contrast, general oilseeds like soybeans, sunflower, and canola are primarily seeds or grains that are processed to extract their oil. These seeds are typically smaller, with a higher proportion of oil in the seed compared to the fruit of the oil palm. For example, soybeans consist of around 18-20% oil content, while sunflower seeds can have around 40% oil content, depending on the variety.
 

2. Extraction process differences

The extraction of palm oil involves a multi-step process, starting with the harvesting of the fresh fruit bunches. After harvesting, the fruit undergoes sterilization (usually with steam) to loosen the fruit from the bunch and to deactivate enzymes that could degrade the oil quality. The next steps include:

Threshing: Separation of individual fruits from the bunches.

Sterilization: Heat treatment to soften the fruit and facilitate oil extraction.

Pressing/Extracting: The softened fruits are mechanically pressed or subjected to a chemical solvent extraction process to extract the oil. After pressing, crude palm oil (CPO) is obtained, and it undergoes further purification.

Additionally, the palm kernel is separated and undergoes its own pressing process to extract palm kernel oil (PKO), which is a distinct product with different properties and uses.

                                                 Palm oil extraction machine

For general oilseeds, the extraction process typically involves cleaning, conditioning, and then pressing the seeds using either mechanical or hydraulic presses. In many cases, the oil content of oilseeds is high enough to be efficiently extracted using a mechanical press. The process usually involves

Cleaning: Removing impurities like dirt, stones, and other foreign particles from the seeds.

Conditioning: Heating and conditioning the seeds to optimize the oil extraction.

Pressing: Extracting the oil through a screw press or hydraulic press.

If necessary, solvent extraction methods (like hexane) can also be used to extract additional oil from the pressed cake. This method is commonly employed for seeds with lower oil content, such as soybeans.

                                         Oil pretreatment and pressing machine

3. Equipment and machinery design

The equipment used for palm oil extraction and general oilseeds extraction differs significantly in terms of design, due to the different physical properties of the raw materials. Palm oil extraction typically requires larger and more robust equipment capable of handling the high moisture content and larger size of the fresh fruit bunches.

Palm oil press: We offer a range of equipment specifically designed for palm oil extraction, including fresh fruit bunch thresher, sterilizers, digesters, screw presses, and palm oil clarifiers. These machines are built to handle the special requirements of palm fruit, such as the need for sterilization and efficient separation of the fruit and kernel.

Oilseed press: For general oilseeds, the equipment used are typically smaller and more straightforward. These include seed cleaners, oilseed conditioners, oil presses, and sometimes solvent extractors. Our screw press and hydraulic press machines are designed for different types of oilseeds, ensuring the best oil yield and minimal loss.

4. Oil yield and quality

Palm oil extraction typically yields a higher quantity of oil compared to many other oilseeds. The oil yield can be as high as 20-25% of the fruit’s total weight. Furthermore, palm oil contains a unique composition of fatty acids that gives it desirable cooking properties, including high oxidative stability and resistance to rancidity.

While the oil content of general oilseeds varies, the oil yield is typically lower compared to palm oil. However, oilseeds such as sunflower, rapeseed, and soybean produce oils that are preferred for specific applications due to their nutritional profiles, such as lower saturated fat content or higher unsaturated fat content.

5. Market applications

Palm oil is highly versatile and used across various industries. In addition to its common use in cooking and food products, it plays a significant role in the production of biodiesel, cosmetics, and personal care products. Its low cost and high yield make it an attractive option for large-scale commercial use.

General oilseeds are primarily used in food production (such as cooking oils and margarine), animal feed, and industrial applications. The oils extracted from seeds like sunflower, soybean, and canola are often seen as healthier alternatives, particularly due to their polyunsaturated fat content.

Henan Glory understands difference between palm oil making and general oilseed press. Our advanced, high-efficiency extraction equipment is designed to meet the specific needs of both oil making. Whether you are involved in large-scale palm oil production or processing other oilseeds, our range of equipment guarantees excellent oil yields, high product quality, and operational efficiency.

WhatsApp: +86 13526627860 (https://wa.me/8613526627860)
Email: market@doinggroup.com
Official Web:
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http://www.cookingoilmillmachinery.com 
http://www.doingoilmachine.com

Entire Sunflower Oil Processing Plant Solutions

 When you’re planning to launch a sunflower oil processing plant, do you often get stuck with these worries? If you source pretreatment, extraction, and refining equipment from different suppliers, will mismatched components cause production bottlenecks? Will inconsistent standards across processes compromise the oil’s quality and food safety? Or will fragmented technical support leave you stranded when the line hits issues after startup?

Henan Glory provides you with an entire turnkey sunflower oil processing plant to address your concerns.

1. Seed Preparation and Pretreatment
This initial stage is crucial for ensuring high oil yield and quality, and it also helps protect downstream equipment.

Cleaning: Raw sunflower seeds contain impurities such as stems, leaves, sand, stones, and metal fragments. Cleaning equipment (including vibrating screen, magnetic separator, and destoner) removes these impurities to prevent equipment damage and ensure the purity of sunflower oil.

Dehulling (Cracking and Separation): Sunflower seed shells are high in fiber and wax but low in oil content. Dehulling is necessary to remove them. Seeds are first cracked using cracker. Kernel husk separator then efficiently separate the kernels from the shells. This step increases the protein content of the subsequent meal by-product.

Flaking and Conditioning: The sunflower seed kernels are rolled into thin flakes by flaking machines. These flakes are then conveyed to multi-layered cooker for conditioning. Conditioning is critical as it adjusts moisture content and temperature, coagulates proteins, and breaks down oil cells, significantly optimizing the efficiency of the subsequent oil extraction step.

2. Oil Extraction
This is the core process of separating oil from the sunflower seed flakes. Two primary methods are used, often in combination.

Mechanical Pressing: The conditioned flakes are fed into a screw oil expeller. Inside the press chamber, a rotating screw shaft continuously advances the material, creating increasing pressure that squeezes out the oil. This is a physical process, which better preserves the oil's natural flavor and nutrients.

Solvent Extraction (Optional): The cake from the screw oil expeller retains some residual oil. TIn order to achieve the highest possible oil yield (over 99%), you can send this cake to a solvent extraction plant. Here, a food-grade solvent (typically hexane) dissolves the remaining oil. The solvent is then recovered from both the oil and the meal through distillation and is reused. The end products are crude sunflower oil and defatted meal.

3. Sunflower Oil Refining
Crude sunflower oil contains gums, free fatty acids (FFA), pigments, odoriferous compounds, and waxes. Refining equipment removes these impurities to produce a clear, stable oil with a mild flavor and improved shelf life.

Degumming: This first step, often carried out using water or acid, removes hydratable and non-hydratable phosphatides (gums) to prevent the sunflower oil from becoming hazy.

Deacidification: An alkali solution (e.g., NaOH solution) is added to react with FFA, forming soapstock. This soapstock is then separated via centrifugation.

Bleaching: In a bleaching tank, adsorbents like activated white clay are mixed with the sunflower oil to remove pigments, residual soaps, and oxidation products, improving the oil's color.

Deodorization: This is a key step conducted under high temperature and vacuum. Steam is passed through the oil to strip away volatile odor and flavor compounds, resulting in a neutral-smelling and tasting oil.

Dewaxing: Specific to sunflower oil, this optional step removes waxes to prevent cloudiness at cooler temperatures. The oil is slowly cooled in crystallizer to allow wax crystals to form, which are then removed by filter.

4. Sunflower Oil Packaging and Storage
The final refined sunflower oil is stored in large tanks, often under a nitrogen blanket to prevent oxidation. The oil is then automatically pumped to filling machines to be packaged into bottles, plastic jugs, flexitanks, or drums. The packaging line typically includes capping, labeling, and case-packing machines, and is followed by palletizing for shipment.

If you are preparing to launch or expand your sunflower oil processing plant, contact us and let Henan Glory's turnkey solutions help you turn plans into results faster.

Official Web:

http://www.cookingoilmillmachinery.com 
http://www.sunfloweroilextractionmachine.com 
http://french.cookingoilmillmachinery.com 
WhatsApp: +86 13526627860 (https://wa.me/8613526627860)
Email: market@doinggroup.com