Why Your Sunflower Seed Oil Press Isn’t Performing as Expected

You’re not alone if you’ve noticed low oil yield or high residual oil in your press cake — this is a common pain point for small to mid-sized oil mills worldwide. But here’s the truth: it's rarely about the machine itself. It's about how you're using it.

The Real Culprits Behind Low Yield & High Residue

According to field engineers at over 40 facilities across Ukraine, India, and Argentina, the top three factors affecting sunflower seed oil extraction are:

• Pressure settings too high (or too low) – Many operators assume “more pressure = more oil.” In reality, excessive pressure damages cell walls prematurely, trapping oil inside particles.
• Temperature control issues – If your press runs above 65°C, you lose up to 25% of Vitamin E (a key selling point for premium oils).
• Inconsistent pre-treatment – Moisture content between 5–7% is ideal. Too dry? You get poor flow. Too wet? You risk clogging and inefficient pressing.

“We saw one mill increase their yield by 10% just by adjusting temperature from 70°C to 58°C — that’s an extra $3,000/year per tonne of seeds processed.” — Engineer Maria K., Eastern Europe

Common Mistakes That Cost You Money

Here’s what most operators do wrong — and how to fix it:

• Mistake: Running presses continuously without calibration.
  Solution: Weekly checks on screw torque, die clearance, and material feed rate.
• Mistake: Ignoring moisture variability in incoming seeds.
  Solution: Use a simple moisture meter before processing — even basic models cost under $100.
• Mistake: Assuming all seeds behave the same.
  Solution: Test batches with different varieties — some may need lower pressure, others higher.

Practical Tips to Maximize Every Kernel

Start today with these proven steps:

• Pre-heat seeds to 45–50°C before feeding — improves flow and reduces friction.
• Monitor press output every hour — track changes in residue oil percentage.
• Keep a logbook — patterns emerge when you record pressure, temp, and yield daily.