Overview of Rice Bran Oil Extraction Process and Equipment System

The production of rice bran oil involves a series of complex processes and a set of specialized equipment. Understanding the overall process and the functions of each piece of equipment is crucial for efficient production. The rice bran oil extraction process generally includes pre - treatment, extraction, refining, and auxiliary operations.

Functions of Pretreatment Equipment

Pretreatment equipment plays a vital role in preparing rice bran for oil extraction. Here are the main pretreatment equipment and their functions:

• Sorting Machine: It is used to remove impurities such as stones, dust, and broken rice from the rice bran. This ensures the quality of the raw material and protects downstream equipment. The sorting efficiency can reach up to 95%, reducing the wear and tear of subsequent machinery.
• Modulating Pot: This equipment adjusts the moisture and temperature of the rice bran. By controlling the moisture content within 10 - 12% and the temperature at around 60 - 70°C, it improves the oil extraction rate in the subsequent process.
• Extruder: The extruder expands the rice bran, increasing its surface area and porosity. This makes it easier for the solvent to penetrate the rice bran during the extraction process, enhancing the extraction efficiency by about 10 - 15%.
• Dryer: After the expansion process, the dryer reduces the moisture content of the rice bran to below 8%, which is beneficial for long - term storage and further processing.

Core Position of Extraction Equipment

The extraction equipment is the heart of the rice bran oil production process. The main extraction equipment includes:

• Extractor: It uses a solvent to extract oil from the pretreated rice bran. The extraction efficiency can reach 90 - 92%, ensuring a high yield of rice bran oil.
• Evaporation Tower: The evaporation tower separates the solvent from the mixed oil. By heating the mixed oil to 110 - 120°C, the solvent evaporates and can be recycled, reducing production costs.
• Mixed Oil System: This system transports and processes the mixed oil, ensuring a continuous and stable extraction process.

Impact of Refining Equipment on Oil Quality

Refining equipment is used to improve the quality of the extracted rice bran oil. The main refining steps and their equipment are:

• Degumming: Removes phospholipids from the crude oil using phosphoric acid or citric acid, improving the clarity and stability of the oil.
• Deacidification: Reduces the acid value of the oil by using an alkali solution, making the oil more suitable for consumption.
• Decolorization: Activated carbon or bleaching earth is used to remove pigments from the oil, making the oil color lighter and more appealing.
• Deodorization: By heating the oil under vacuum conditions at 230 - 250°C, it removes unpleasant odors and flavors, improving the sensory quality of the oil.

Importance of Auxiliary Equipment

Auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, valves, and pipelines, is essential for the smooth operation of the entire production line. They ensure the proper flow of materials, solvents, and oil, and maintain the stability of the production process.

Equipment Maintenance and Optimization Suggestions

Regular maintenance is the key to extending the service life of equipment and improving production efficiency. It is recommended to conduct daily inspections, weekly small - scale maintenance, and monthly large - scale maintenance. For example, cleaning the filters of the equipment every week can prevent blockages and ensure normal operation. Moreover, replacing worn - out parts in a timely manner can avoid major breakdowns.

In conclusion, a well - maintained equipment system is the foundation for high - quality rice bran oil production. To learn more about our comprehensive equipment maintenance solutions and how they can enhance your production efficiency and product quality, please click here.