Working Principles of Expansion Equipment in Rice Bran Oil Extraction

In the process of rice bran oil extraction, expansion equipment plays a crucial role. The basic working principle of expansion equipment is to subject rice bran to high - temperature, high - pressure, and high - shear forces within the equipment. This causes the structure of rice bran cells to be disrupted, and the oil - containing particles inside the cells are released. For example, when rice bran passes through the screw extruder of the expansion equipment, the screw's rotation generates friction and pressure, increasing the temperature of the rice bran. Generally, the temperature can reach 100 - 120°C during the extrusion process.

Key Parameter Settings

Temperature Control

Temperature is one of the most critical parameters in the expansion process. A suitable temperature can ensure the full expansion of rice bran and improve the oil yield. If the temperature is too low, the rice bran may not expand sufficiently, and the oil cells will not be fully broken, resulting in a low oil yield. On the contrary, if the temperature is too high, the oil quality may be affected, and some nutrients in the oil may be lost. In actual production, the optimal temperature for the expansion process of rice bran oil is usually between 105 - 115°C.

Pressure Regulation

Pressure also has a significant impact on the expansion effect. Adequate pressure can promote the extrusion and expansion of rice bran. The pressure in the expansion equipment is mainly generated by the screw extrusion and the resistance of the die. Generally, the pressure inside the expansion chamber can reach 3 - 5 MPa. Different pressures will lead to different expansion degrees of rice bran, thereby affecting the oil yield.

Moisture Content

The moisture content of rice bran before entering the expansion equipment is also an important factor. If the moisture content is too high, the rice bran may clump during the expansion process, affecting the normal operation of the equipment and the expansion effect. If the moisture content is too low, the rice bran may not expand well. The appropriate moisture content of rice bran for expansion is about 12% - 15%.

Influence of Equipment Material and Structure

The material and structure of the expansion equipment have a direct impact on the expansion effect and oil yield. For example, the screw of the expansion equipment is usually made of high - strength alloy steel, which can withstand high pressure and friction during the extrusion process. Different screw structures, such as the pitch and diameter of the screw, will affect the conveying speed and pressure distribution of rice bran in the equipment, thereby affecting the expansion effect. In addition, the design of the die also affects the shape and expansion degree of the expanded rice bran.

Practical Operation Skills and Optimization Suggestions

Based on industry experience, technicians should regularly check and maintain the expansion equipment to ensure its normal operation. For example, they need to clean the screw and die regularly to prevent blockage. Equipment purchasers should choose equipment with high - quality materials and reasonable structures according to their production scale and requirements. Production managers can optimize the production process by adjusting key parameters to improve production efficiency and oil yield. For instance, by adjusting the feeding speed and temperature, they can achieve the best expansion effect.

Industry Trends: Environmental Protection, Intelligence, and Energy - Saving

Currently, the rice bran oil extraction industry is moving towards environmental protection, intelligence, and energy - saving. New - type expansion equipment is equipped with intelligent control systems, which can automatically adjust key parameters such as temperature, pressure, and moisture content according to the production needs, improving production efficiency and reducing energy consumption. For example, some equipment can save about 15% - 20% of energy compared with traditional equipment.

In conclusion, the expansion equipment is of great significance in rice bran oil extraction. By optimizing key parameter settings, considering equipment material and structure, and following industry trends, it can effectively improve the oil yield, reduce energy consumption, and enhance production efficiency. Explore our advanced rice bran oil expansion equipment to achieve efficient production!