Optimizing Screw Press Equipment for Higher Peanut Oil Yield and Lower Energy Consumption

Optimizing Screw Press Efficiency in Peanut Oil Production: A Practical Guide for Process Engineers

For small to mid-sized oil mills, achieving consistent high yield while minimizing energy consumption is a daily challenge. The screw press—often overlooked—is actually one of the most critical components in peanut oil extraction. Proper maintenance and parameter tuning can boost output by up to 15% and reduce power usage by 10–15%, according to real-world data from Chinese and Indian processing plants.

Understanding the Core Workflow: From Cleaning to Pressing

A well-optimized spiral press doesn’t just squeeze oil—it ensures uniform feed consistency. Start with thorough cleaning (removing husks, stones, and moisture), followed by controlled crushing (particle size ~3mm) and precise steaming at 75–85°C for 15–20 minutes. This step significantly impacts both yield and quality.

Pro Tip: A study by the International Journal of Food Engineering found that improper pre-treatment leads to up to 22% lower oil recovery due to uneven pressure distribution inside the press cylinder.

Hot vs Cold Pressing: What’s the Real Difference?

Choose hot pressing for higher throughput and cost efficiency; cold pressing for premium market segments like organic or health-focused buyers who pay a 10–20% price premium.

Key Parameters That Make or Break Your Output

• Feed Moisture Content: Keep between 6–8%. Too dry → poor compression; too wet → clogging and reduced throughput.
• Screw Pitch Adjustment: Use tighter pitch (~100mm) for softer materials like roasted peanuts; wider pitch (~150mm) for raw or fibrous batches.
• Rotational Speed: Optimal range: 30–50 RPM. Higher speeds increase throughput but risk overheating and oxidation if not properly cooled.

“After adjusting our steam temperature and screw pitch based on this guide, we saw a 12% improvement in oil yield within two weeks.” – Mr. Ahmed Khan, Technical Manager, Pakistan Oil Mill Co.

Preventive Maintenance: Don’t Wait Until It Breaks

Daily checks: inspect bearing temperature (<45°C), belt tension, and discharge clarity. Weekly: clean filter screens and check for wear on auger flights. Monthly: recalibrate torque sensors and lubricate moving parts with food-grade grease.

Ignoring these steps increases downtime by an average of 3 days per quarter—and costs $2,500+ in unplanned repairs.