An expeller press or “screw press,” is a machine that presses seeds and nuts through a cavity and uses intense friction and pressure to extract oil. During this process, there isn’t any added heat but since the seeds are pressed using friction, heat is created (around 140-210 F). Once the seeds are pressed, the oil is removed.
What is an oil expeller press?
French custom designs, manufactures and supports oilseed preparation equipment and screw presses, sometimes referred to as oil expeller presses. These oil extraction machines gather vegetable oil from oil-bearing seeds and nuts for food and industrial uses, including biodiesel and other fuels.
Can a mechanical oil expeller press be used for small scale oil extraction?
A mechanical oil expeller press was designed, constructed & further analyzed with simulation software (ANSYS) in this research work. This expeller can be useful for small scale oil extraction. ASME shaft design code was used in designing the screw shaft of the press. Locally available material (mild steel) was used in manufacturing of the expeller.
How does a oil expeller work?
Locally available material (mild steel) was used in manufacturing of the expeller. A 20 hp 3-phase electric motor was used for running the machine and the rpm of the screw was maintained 140 rpm. A screw rotates inside the barrel of the press which creates pressure for the extraction of oil.