Rice bran oil—also known as rice oil—is highly favored by consumers due to its rich nutritional value. As a byproduct of rice milling, rice bran has historically been underutilized; however, with the ever-growing consumer demand for healthy cooking oils, rice bran oil processing is gradually emerging as a highly attractive investment sector.
So, what specific equipment configuration is actually required to invest in and construct a rice bran oil processing plant with a daily output of 20 tons? Drawing upon the extensive technical expertise accumulated over 38+ years in the oil machinery sector, Henan Huatai Cereals and Oils Machinery Co., Ltd. will provide a detailed overview of the complete equipment list and configuration scheme for a 20TPD rice bran oil processing plant.
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Why Is a 20TPD Scale Suitable for Rice Bran Oil Processing Projects?
The oil content of rice bran is relatively low, typically ranging between 10% and 23%. In rice bran oil production, the rice bran oil solvent extraction process is typically employed to maximize oil recovery rates. As a standard capacity configuration for small-to-medium-scale rice bran oil processing plants, the 20-ton-per-day scale not only meets the economic requirements of scaled production but also offers significant advantages such as moderate investment costs, short construction cycles, and high operational flexibility. It represents an ideal choice for grain and oil processing enterprises looking to venture into the rice bran oil sector for the first time.
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Core Processes and Equipment Configuration for a 20-Ton-Per-Day Rice Bran Oil Processing Plant
A complete rice bran oil production line primarily comprises three core stages: the Pretreatment and Expansion Stage, the Extraction Stage, and the Refining Stage. The specific equipment requirements for each stage are detailed below.
1) Rice Bran Pretreatment and Expansion Stage
Raw rice bran is highly susceptible to rancidity. It contains high concentrations of active lipase enzymes, which can severely compromise the quality of the crude oil. Therefore, the rice bran must undergo rapid stabilization treatment before entering the actual processing workflow. The primary equipment required for the pretreatment process—designed for a daily processing capacity of 20 tons—is as follows:
Rice Bran and Tips Separator: Separates large particulate impurities mixed within the rice bran—such as broken rice, rice fines, and stones—thereby providing a purified raw material for subsequent processing.
Magnetic Separator: Removes any iron impurities that may be mixed into the rice bran, protecting downstream equipment from metallic abrasion and damage.
Softening and Conditioning Cooker: Improves the plasticity of the rice bran by regulating its moisture content and temperature, thereby facilitating the subsequent extrusion process.
Rice Bran Extruder: The core piece of equipment—utilizes high temperature and high pressure to transform powdered rice bran into porous, crisp, columnar granules; simultaneously passivates lipase enzymes and ruptures the cellular structures containing the oil.
Flat Dryer: Dries the moisture content of the puffed rice bran granules to a level suitable for storage, thereby preventing rancidity and extending the shelf life of the granules.
2) Rice Bran Oil Extraction Section
The puffed rice bran granules enter the extraction section, where they come into full contact with an organic solvent (typically n-hexane, also known as “Solvent No. 6”) to extract the oil contained within the granules. The core advantage of this solvent extraction method lies in its highly efficient oil recovery capability, which keeps the residual oil content in the resulting rice bran meal at an extremely low level, thereby maximizing the recovery of every drop of oil. The main equipment for the extraction section—which features a daily processing capacity of 20 tons—includes:
Extractor: At this stage, the rice bran granules engage in counter-current contact with the solvent; the solvent thoroughly permeates the rice bran, extracting the oil contained therein.
First-Stage Evaporator: Preheats the mixed oil (miscella) and evaporates a portion of the solvent, thereby concentrating the oil content within the mixture.
Second-Stage Evaporator: Further heats the mixture to evaporate additional solvent, thereby further reducing the residual solvent content within the mixed oil.
Stripping Tower: Further strips the mixed oil to ensure the complete evaporation of the solvent.
DTDC Desolventizer-Toaster-Dryer-Cooler: Desolventizes, dries, and cools the wet rice bran meal remaining after extraction, producing a finished bran meal product with a residual oil content of ≤1% (suitable for sale as high-quality animal feed).
Condensation & Recovery System: Recovers solvent vapors generated during various evaporation stages, condensing them back into liquid solvent for recirculation within the extraction system.
Tail Gas Absorption System: Adsorbs and recovers residual solvent from the tail gas, thereby minimizing solvent loss and mitigating environmental risks.
Huatai Oil Machinery possesses extensive engineering experience in the design and equipment configuration of extraction workshops. The entire extraction system utilizes automated controls, significantly reducing labor requirements and operational complexity.
3) Rice Bran Oil Refining Section
The crude rice bran oil produced via the extraction method contains various impurities; it must undergo refining processes to meet national quality standards for edible oils before being released to the market. Rice bran oil refining typically involves processes such as degumming, deacidification, decolorization, deodorization, and dewaxing. The key equipment for a 20 TPD refining section is listed below:
| Process | Key Equipment | Function |
| Degumming | Refining Pot, Mixing Tank, Centrifugal Separator | Phosphoric acid or hot water is added to leverage the hydrophilic nature of colloidal impurities, thereby removing phospholipids and other gum-soluble impurities. |
| Deacidification | Alkali Refining Pot or Physical Deacidification Tower, Centrifuge | Employs either the alkali neutralization method or physical distillation to remove free fatty acids and reduce the acid value. |
| Dewaxing | Crystallization Tank, Plate-and-Frame Filter / Leaf Filter | A process unique to rice bran oil—wax is removed through low-temperature crystallization to enhance the oil’s clarity and palatability. |
| Decolorization | Decolorization Tower, Leaf Filter | Utilizes the adsorption principle of activated bleaching earth to remove pigment substances from the oil, resulting in a clear and bright color. |
| Deodorization | Deodorization Tower, Thermal Oil Heater, Fatty Acid Catcher | Direct steam is introduced under high-temperature and high-vacuum conditions to remove odor-causing substances and other volatile components from the oil. |
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Why Choose Henan Huatai Cereals and Oils Machinery Co., Ltd.?
For over 38+ years, Henan Huatai Cereals and Oils Machinery Co., Ltd. has focused on the R&D, manufacturing, and provision of turnkey engineering services for oil and fat processing machinery. In terms of global reach, Huatai Oil Machinery’s equipment and turnkey engineering projects have been exported to numerous countries and regions worldwide. Our service chain encompasses the entire lifecycle—from consultation, design, and manufacturing to installation, commissioning, and after-sales training—marking a true evolution from being merely an “equipment supplier” to a comprehensive “total solution provider.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)：
1) How much land area is required for a 20 TPD rice bran oil processing plant?
Typically, a land area of approximately 800–1,200 square meters is required; the exact size depends on the specific equipment layout and process configuration. Huatai Oil Machinery offers integrated design services covering plant blueprints, equipment layout plans, and process flow diagrams.
2) Approximately how long is the investment payback period for a rice bran oil processing plant?
A 20 TPD facility is classified as a medium-scale investment project, and the construction cycle typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. With the combined revenue from selling crude oil and the additional profits generated by selling the residual meal as high-quality animal feed, the initial investment costs can typically be recouped within 2 to 3 years.
3) Is it necessary to hire technical personnel when establishing the plant?
Following project handover, Huatai Oil Machinery will dispatch technical engineers and an installation team to the site to perform on-site installation and commissioning. Furthermore, we provide complimentary training for your staff on operational procedures, helping our clients achieve a smooth and rapid transition to full-scale production.
Conclusion
The core equipment for a 20 TPD rice bran oil processing plant encompasses all major machinery across three primary systems: pretreatment, extraction, and refining. Additionally, the project requires the careful selection and integration of auxiliary equipment—such as storage bins, conveying and lifting systems, oil storage tanks, various pumps and valves, and control systems—to ensure optimal plant performance.
If you are currently planning a rice bran oil processing project, welcome to contact us. We can provide a comprehensive equipment list, a detailed quotation, and a customized technical proposal tailored specifically to your operational requirements. With our extensive experience in project implementation and a dedicated professional service team, Huatai Oil Machinery offers the end-to-end service—spanning everything from solution design and equipment manufacturing to installation and commissioning—to help ensure a robust and successful launch for your oil processing venture.
Website: https://ricebranoilpress.com/
Email: info06@cnoilmachine.com