Main functions and advantages of using expanders in the oil and fat industry

The importance of selecting equipment for production in the oil and fat industry cannot be overestimated, as it is designed to provide not only a fast and convenient, but also an optimal production process in terms of costs and efficiency. One of the key components of this equipment is expanders, which play an important role in the process of extracting oil from vegetable raw materials, ensuring an efficient and productive process of processing the material. In this article, we will consider the main functions and advantages of using this particular equipment.

Industrial expander: description and functions

An expander is equipment used for the wet-heat treatment of vegetable material, such as soybean flakes, sunflower cake or rapeseed. It has a horizontal design and a screw designed to process raw materials. This device consists of an oil station, an electric motor, a feeder, a granulating device, a control panel, an electrical panel, a frequency converter. The expander body is equipped with a steam jacket with nozzles for supplying steam under pressure, with which the material is processed – the raw material passes through a chamber where it is subjected to the pressure of the screw and the temperature, which causes the cell walls to open. This process, known as extraction, allows the oil contained in the raw material to be released.

The functions of this equipment are:

• Cell extraction. The main function of the expander, as already mentioned above, is to exert mechanical action on the raw material in order to open the cell walls and release the oil contained in them.
• Increase in oil yield. Due to the extraction of raw material cells, more oil is obtained from it, which increases the efficiency of the production process.
• Reduce the content of non-fatty substances. This device helps to reduce the content of non-fatty substances in the cake (water and other impurities), which facilitates further processing and improves the quality of the obtained oil.

Thus, expanders play an important role in the oil extraction process, ensuring effective processing of vegetable raw materials and increasing the yield of a valuable product.

Technical characteristics of expanders for extraction

Usually, in the production of oil, expanders of two sizes are used: with a working chamber diameter of 200 mm and 250 mm, which distinguishes them in terms of performance. To better understand what equipment is needed in your case, we recommend using the table below.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS	Е-200	Е-250
Productivity t/day
sunflower cake	100	200
rapeseed cake	150	300
soybean flakes</p	300	600
Diameter of the working chamber, mm	200	250
Number of steam jackets, pcs.	2	3
Working steam pressure in jackets, MPa	0,8	0,8
Estimated installed power of the electric motor, kW	75	110
Nominal power of the feeder motor, kW	1,5	1,5
Designated engine power of the hydraulic device, kW	3,0	3,0
Dimensions, mm
length	6500	6700
height	1700 (2200 with feeder)	1840 (2400 with feeder)
width	2300	2850
Weight, kg	4500	4700

This table provides comprehensive information for selecting equipment based on your needs and production volumes, but for a more detailed selection, you should contact professionals.

Criteria for selecting expanders for your production

When choosing expanders for oil production, it is important to consider several key criteria that will ensure the optimality and efficiency of the extraction process. Among them:

• Productivity. The expander must meet the needs of your production and provide the necessary productivity, as well as have the appropriate power to work correctly with other equipment of the production line.
• Product quality. Choose devices that provide high oil yield and high-quality cake with a reduced content of non-fatty substances.
• Reliability and service. Give preference to equipment from proven manufacturers, which will ensure not only the sale of equipment, but also its adjustment, as well as after-sales service. TAN LLC is such a manufacturer.
• Compatibility with other equipment. Make sure that the expanders are compatible with other equipment in your production not only in terms of power, but also technologically. This will ensure fast, convenient, smooth and efficient operation of the entire production line.

When choosing expanders for your production, it is important to carefully study all the specified criteria and consider their importance for your business. Only such an approach will help ensure the successful and efficient functioning of the production line.

Advantages of using expanders in the oil and fat industry

The use of expanders in the oil and fat industry has numerous advantages. This equipment provides a higher yield of oil from vegetable raw materials due to efficient extraction, which allows you to maximize product costs and reduce production losses. In addition, the extraction process contributes to the careful separation of oils from the cell walls of the raw materials, as a result of which the product becomes cleaner, without impurities, which helps to ensure the high quality of the obtained oil. This also contributes to reducing energy and resource costs.

The use of expanders allows you to maximize the potential of the raw materials, ensuring effective oil removal and reducing the content of non-fatty substances in the cake. This makes them an important part of the production process, contributing to the company’s competitiveness in the market.

Blog author  Ivanchenko Serhiy Valeriyovich