Screw Oil Extraction Machine
A screw oil extraction machine (also known as a screw press or oil expeller) is a mechanical device used to extract oil from oil-bearing seeds and nuts. It utilizes a rotating screw shaft housed in a barrel to apply mechanical pressure, forcing oil out of the raw material. This method is widely adopted across the edible oil industry, especially in regions with abundant oilseed crops.
How It Works
The screw press operates on mechanical compression. Oilseeds are fed into a hopper and conveyed through a horizontal screw shaft rotating within a cylindrical press cage. As the material moves forward, the space inside the chamber narrows, applying increasing pressure to crush the seeds and squeeze out the oil.
Oil Extraction Mechanics:
Crushing & Compression: High-pressure mechanical squeezing breaks seed cells and releases oil.
Drainage: Oil escapes through small perforations in the barrel.
Continuous Discharge: Residual cake exits from the end of the machine, typically still warm and compressed.
The process can be cold-pressed (lower temperatures) or hot-pressed (pre-heated seeds), depending on the desired oil quality.
️ Operating Parameters & Performance Metrics
Metric | Typical Range |
Operating Temp. Range | 60°C – 120°C (hot press mode) |
Oil Yield (Efficiency) | 30–45% depending on seed type |
Capacity | 100–1,000 kg/hour |
Power Consumption | 7.5–30 kW |
Cake Residual Oil | 6–10% (lower with double pressing) |
Efficiency depends on:
Seed quality and moisture content
Pre-treatment (cleaning, dehulling, heating)
Press type (single or double stage)
Shaft speed and backpressure adjustment
Business Opportunities
Village-Level Processing Units
Targeting local oilseed farmers to convert raw produce into higher-value edible oil and protein-rich cake. Reduces transport losses and boosts rural incomes.
Urban Cold-Pressed Oil Brands
Capitalizing on health-conscious consumers in urban markets who prefer minimally processed oils like cold-pressed mustard, coconut, and sesame.
By-Product Utilization
Oilseed cakes can be monetized as:
Animal feed (soy, groundnut)
Organic fertilizer (neem, castor)
Biomass fuel (pelletized press cake)
Agro-Industrial Integration
Used in integrated oil mills with seed cleaners, roasters, filter presses, and bottling lines for fully automated edible oil production.
Advantages
Energy Efficient: Especially in hot press mode; no solvents or steam boilers needed.
Dual Output: Produces both oil and high-protein seed cake.
Scalable Models: From 50 kg/hr micro units to 1,000+ kg/hr industrial systems.
Simple Mechanics: Easy to maintain, repair, and operate.
Long Lifespan: Solid steel structure with replaceable wear parts.
Limitations
Lower Yield vs. Solvent Extraction: Leaves 5–10% residual oil in cake.
Heat Generation: Can degrade thermally sensitive nutrients.
High Torque Parts: Screw shaft and barrel wear out over time.
Manual Feed (in basic models): Automation increases CapEx.
Future Scope & Add-ons
Integrated Pre-Treatment: Seed heating, dehulling, and conditioning for higher yields.
Cold Press Attachments: For premium niche oil markets.
Digital Monitoring: Load sensors, temp gauges, and oil yield tracking.
Hybrid Drive Systems: Solar-electric or diesel-electric integration for off-grid rural use.
Food-Grade Compliance: SS304/316 models for certified edible oil production.
Competitive Edge in Market:
Factor | Screw Press | Hydraulic Press | Solvent Extraction |
Energy Use | Medium | Low–Medium | High |
Oil Yield | Medium | Low | High |
Throughput Speed | High | Low | Very High |
Setup Cost | Medium | Low | High |
Product Versatility | High | Medium | Low |
Food-Grade Output | Yes | Yes | Requires refining |
Conclusion