The difference between palm oil making and general oilseed press

Palm fruit and general oilseed like peanut, sunflower, soybean, cottonseed are different oil seeds, and need different pressing processes and machines. In the pressing process of palm oil and common oil, it generally requires several steps of pretreatment, pressing, clarification and drying. Below we will compare in detail the difference between palm oil making and general oilseed press.

1. Raw material differences

Palm oil

Palm oil is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). The raw material is the fresh fruit bunch (FFB), which contains a mix of both mesocarp (the fleshy part of the fruit) and kernel (the hard inner seed). The mesocarp, which makes up the majority of the fruit, is rich in oil and is the primary source for palm oil extraction. The kernel, though also containing oil, is usually processed separately to extract palm kernel oil (PKO).

General oilseeds

In contrast, general oilseeds like soybeans, sunflower, and canola are primarily seeds or grains that are processed to extract their oil. These seeds are typically smaller, with a higher proportion of oil in the seed compared to the fruit of the oil palm. For example, soybeans consist of around 18-20% oil content, while sunflower seeds can have around 40% oil content, depending on the variety.

2. Extraction process differences

Palm oil extraction

The extraction of palm oil involves a multi-step process, starting with the harvesting of the fresh fruit bunches. After harvesting, the fruit undergoes sterilization (usually with steam) to loosen the fruit from the bunch and to deactivate enzymes that could degrade the oil quality. The next steps include:

Threshing: Separation of individual fruits from the bunches.

Sterilization: Heat treatment to soften the fruit and facilitate oil extraction.

Pressing/Extracting: The softened fruits are mechanically pressed or subjected to a chemical solvent extraction process to extract the oil. After pressing, crude palm oil (CPO) is obtained, and it undergoes further purification.

Additionally, the palm kernel is separated and undergoes its own pressing process to extract palm kernel oil (PKO), which is a distinct product with different properties and uses.

Palm oil extraction equipment

General Oilseeds Extraction

For general oilseeds, the extraction process typically involves cleaning, conditioning, and then pressing the seeds using either mechanical or hydraulic presses. In many cases, the oil content of oilseeds is high enough to be efficiently extracted using a mechanical press. The process usually involves

Cleaning: Removing impurities like dirt, stones, and other foreign particles from the seeds.

Conditioning: Heating and conditioning the seeds to optimize the oil extraction.

Pressing: Extracting the oil through a screw press or hydraulic press.

If necessary, solvent extraction methods (like hexane) can also be used to extract additional oil from the pressed cake. This method is commonly employed for seeds with lower oil content, such as soybeans.

The photo of sunflower oil extraction equipment

3. Equipment and machinery design

The equipment used for palm oil extraction and general oilseeds extraction differs significantly in terms of design, due to the different physical properties of the raw materials. Palm oil extraction typically requires larger and more robust equipment capable of handling the high moisture content and larger size of the fresh fruit bunches.

Palm oil press: We offer a range of equipment specifically designed for palm oil extraction, including fresh fruit bunch thresher, sterilizers, digesters, screw presses, and palm oil clarifiers. These machines are built to handle the special requirements of palm fruit, such as the need for sterilization and efficient separation of the fruit and kernel.

Oilseed press: For general oilseeds, the equipment used are typically smaller and more straightforward. These include seed cleaners, oilseed conditioners, oil presses, and sometimes solvent extractors. Our screw press and hydraulic press machines are designed for different types of oilseeds, ensuring the best oil yield and minimal loss.

4. Oil yield and quality

Palm oil

Palm oil extraction typically yields a higher quantity of oil compared to many other oilseeds. The oil yield can be as high as 20-25% of the fruit’s total weight. Furthermore, palm oil contains a unique composition of fatty acids that gives it desirable cooking properties, including high oxidative stability and resistance to rancidity.

General oilseeds

While the oil content of general oilseeds varies, the oil yield is ty

pically lower compared to palm oil. However, oilseeds such as sunflower, rapeseed, and soybean produce oils that are preferred for specific applications due to their nutritional profiles, such as lower saturated fat content or higher unsaturated fat content.

5. Market applications

Palm oil is highly versatile and used across various industries. In addition to its common use in cooking and food products, it plays a significant role in the production of biodiesel, cosmetics, and personal care products. Its low cost and high yield make it an attractive option for large-scale commercial use.

General oilseeds are primarily used in food production (such as cooking oils and margarine), animal feed, and industrial applications. The oils extracted from seeds like sunflower, soybean, and canola are often seen as healthier alternatives, particularly due to their polyunsaturated fat content.

Henan Glory understands difference between palm oil making and general oilseed press. Our advanced, high-efficiency extraction equipment is designed to meet the specific needs of both oil making. Whether you are involved in large-scale palm oil production or processing other oilseeds, our range of equipment guarantees excellent oil yields, high product quality, and operational efficiency.