As a low-oil-content oilseed, rice bran is primarily processed using the extraction process. Rice bran oil extraction fully extracts the oil from the rice bran, reduces residual oil in the rice bran cake, and achieves an ideal oil yield in a single extraction. It is the primary processing technique for rice bran oil production. Oil extraction equipment is a core piece of equipment in a rice bran oil production line, but the oilseed requires pretreatment before extraction. Pretreatment quality impacts subsequent extraction, refining, and the quality of the finished oil.
Extrusion is a standard pretreatment process in rice bran oil extraction production line. It transforms highly powdered rice bran into pellets with excellent permeability and porosity. It also deactivates lipase in the rice bran, reduces the rate of rancidity, increases oil extraction efficiency, and improves oil yield. Extrusion pretreatment technology reduces energy consumption and production costs, providing companies with a means to enhance their competitiveness.
The reduction in energy consumption per unit of output is a direct reflection of the reduced production costs achieved by extrusion pretreatment. This benefit stems primarily from three mechanisms:
1) Extrusion significantly shortens the extraction time of rice bran oil, reducing the operating time of the rice bran oil extractor and its supporting equipment, such as the evaporator and condenser, directly reducing electricity consumption.
2) The increased bulk density of the puffed material allows for a larger loading capacity per extraction, increasing the amount of oil processed per unit time. This increased production efficiency dilutes fixed energy consumption.
3) The improved fluidity of the puffed material reduces friction during conveying, reducing energy consumption in the material conveying system.
These three factors work together to significantly improve the overall energy consumption of the extrusion pretreatment process compared to traditional pretreatment methods.
The optimization of solvent consumption during extrusion pretreatment is also crucial. In conventional edible oil extraction processes, solvent consumption is a significant cost component and a key indicator for both production and environmental protection. The puffed oil exhibits a more optimized pore structure and surface properties, resulting in more uniform solvent distribution throughout the oil, more efficient penetration and drainage, and reduced solvent residue. This not only reduces the amount of fresh solvent replenished but also reduces the load on the exhaust gas recovery system.
From the perspective of equipment maintenance and service life, extrusion pretreatment also offers significant long-term economic benefits. After extrusion, the physical properties of the oilseed are altered, resulting in more uniform temperature and moisture content. This standardized material significantly reduces impact and wear on equipment. Furthermore, because extrusion inactivates certain enzymes in the oilseed, such as lipase and lipoxygenase, it reduces equipment corrosion and scaling, further extending equipment service life.
Compared to traditional pretreatment processes, extrusion integrates multiple steps, including crushing, softening, flaking, and cooking. This simplifies the rice bran oil production process, reduces equipment investment, plant space requirements, and labor costs. The resulting meal from extrusion has a lower residual oil content and higher protein quality, resulting in a higher price in the feed market than conventional meal. The increased value of by-products indirectly reduces production costs and enhances profitability.
Henan Huatai Cereals and Oils Machinery Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer specializing in the research, development, production, and sales of oil and fat equipment, offering one-stop services for cooking oil processing plant, from design to installation and commissioning, as well as employee training. Huatai Oil Machinery has been engaged in the production of oil and fat equipment for many years and has rich experience in cooperation with oil factories. The equipment can be customized, the quality is guaranteed, and the operation is stable and efficient. You are welcome to visit the factory for an on-site inspection, or you can visit the nearest cooperative oil factory.
Website: https://ricebranoilpress.com/
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