Edible oil is one of the most commonly used products around the world. It is used for cooking, making food and even in some beauty products. One of the most common and effective ways to get oil from oil seeds is by using a machine called an oil expeller.
Whether you are thinking about starting an oil mill or trying to improve your existing plant, it’s important to know how oil expellers work and what advantages they offer.
What is an Oil Expeller?
An oil expeller is a machine that extracts oil from seeds and nuts using pressure.
It doesn’t use any chemicals to get the oil out. It can be used for many types of seeds like:
- Groundnut / Peanut
- Soybean
- Sunflower
- Sesame
- Mustard, Rapeseed / Canola
- Coconut / Copra
- Palm Kernel
- Cottonseed
How Does an Oil Expeller Work?
The process is simple and very effective:
- Feeding: The cleaned and prepared seeds go into the hopper of the expeller.
- Pressing: A rotating screw inside the machine pushes the seeds together, creating pressure.
- Separation: The oil comes out through small holes in the machine, while the leftover oilcake comes out the cone.
Types of Oil Expellers
- Traditional Wooden Kolhus/Ghanis – These have low production capacity and are used for small, handmade operations.
- Small Scale Screw Press Expellers – These are modern machines that are efficient and work continuously.
- High-Capacity Industrial Expellers – These are used in big factories for large production.
Key Benefits of Using Expellers
- Chemical Free Extraction: It makes natural and healthier oils without using harmful chemicals.
- Cost-Effective: It’s cheaper to run than other methods for seeds with high oil content.
- Versatility: It works with many different types of seeds.
- Durability: It’s built for heavy use in factories.
- Eco-Friendly: It doesn’t leave any harmful chemicals behind.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Expeller
- Seed Type & Oil Content: Some seeds may need to be cooked first for best results.
- Capacity Requirements: Machines can handle small (5–10 TPD) to large (100+ TPD) amounts of seeds.
- Power Consumption: Machines that use less energy save money.
- Ease of Maintenance: Machines with parts that can be replaced require less downtime.
- Manufacturer Support: Having access to spare parts and service is important.
Tips to Make It Last Longer
- Clean and oil the moving parts often.
- Check the worm shaft and cage bars for damage.
- Make sure the feedstock doesn’t have stones or metal bits.
- Watch the temperature to stop the oil from going bad.
What’s Coming in Expeller Tech
As more people want cold-pressed and organic oils, companies are working on:
- Motors that use less energy
- Technology that presses oil without heat
- Automatic controls and sensors
- Materials that last longer and resist wear
Oil expellers are still very important in making edible oils, especially for smaller and medium businesses. They are simple, cost-effective, and make oil without chemicals, which makes them popular around the world. Picking the right expeller depends on the type of seeds you use, how much oil you make, and the quality you want. Working with a reliable manufacturer helps you get good results, avoid problems, and make more money.
