How to Choose Peanut Oil Solvent Extraction Plant? Types and Application Recommendations

In fact, in the field of peanut oil processing, the pressed peanut cake still contains 8%–12% residual oil. If it is not processed through a solvent extraction process, it not only results in direct economic loss but also affects the comprehensive utilization of raw materials. This article will cover the principles of peanut oil solvent extraction equipment, a comparison of equipment types, and the key indicators for selecting machinery, helping you choose the most suitable solvent extraction plant and find a development path that best fits your factory.

ABC Machinery - Reliable Vegetable Oil Solvent Extraction Plant Manufacturer

Why extract oil from pressed peanut cake?
For many investors who are new to the oil processing business, “pressing oil is the end of the process.” In reality, pressing is only the first step. Pressed peanut cake, although seemingly dry and compact, still locks in a significant amount of oil. The function of the extraction equipment is to use organic solvents (such as food-grade n-hexane) to dissolve this residual oil further, and then recover both oil and solvent through evaporation and desolventizing systems. In this way, the residual oil rate, originally around 10%, can be reduced to less than 1%, effectively increasing oil yield by 8–10 percentage points without additional raw material costs.

The role of the extraction stage in a peanut oil production line
From a production line perspective, the extraction stage usually follows pressing and connects to the refining process. It not only determines the final oil output but also affects the quality of protein-rich by-products. Relying solely on pressing, peanut cake may only be used as fuel or low-value feed; after desolventizing, the peanut meal maintains about 45% protein content and can be directly marketed as feed or food raw material, enhancing product value.

If you are planning a new edible oil processing factory or expanding capacity, consider whether to include an solvent extraction stage as a critical decision point. We can provide equipment configuration recommendations for different scales of production lines, helping you balance initial investment and long-term returns.

Main Types of Peanut Cake Solvent Extraction Plant Equipment

The type of extraction equipment is not simply a matter of “more advanced is better”; it should be selected based on investment scale, production demand, and product positioning. The three common extraction methods—batch tank extraction, horizontal rotary extraction, and chain-type extraction—each have suitable applications and limitations. Blind selection may lead to idle machinery or excessive energy consumption.

Batch Tank Extraction: Suitable for Small-Scale, Budget-Limited Factories

Small Solvent Extraction Factory for Cooking Oil Processing

Batch tank solvent extraction plant is the most traditional method, with equipment resembling several independent tanks operating alternately. The advantages include low investment threshold, small footprint, and relatively simple operation, suitable for factories processing 30–80 tons of peanut per day. The disadvantages are also evident: manual switching of processes is required, production is intermittent, and both oil yield and solvent utilization are lower than continuous equipment, with residual oil around 1.5%–2%. For factories targeting local catering or small-to-medium retail channels, batch tank extraction offers a low-cost way to start vegetable oil production business.

Horizontal Rotary Extraction: Efficient, Ideal for Medium to Large Continuous Production

Rotary Edible Oil Solvent Extraction Plant Setup

Horizontal rotary extraction equipment features a continuously rotating extractor. Peanut cake is evenly distributed in the solvent flow, allowing more complete oil dissolution. It saves solvent and energy compared to batch tank systems, suitable for factories with daily processing of 100–400 tons. Automation is moderate, maintenance is relatively simple, and the technical skill requirement for operators is not high. Many factories serving urban wholesale and regional supply chains prefer this type to balance efficiency and cost.

Chain-Type Extraction: High Automation, Suitable for Ultra-Large Capacity and Export-Oriented Factories

Large Vegetable Oil Solvent Extraction Plant Project Report

Chain-type extraction equipment is commonly used in large-scale oil mills. Conveying chains spread peanut cake evenly and continuously, with solvent recycled across multiple extraction stages, leaving minimal residual oil (usually below 0.8%). It achieves high automation and long-term stable operation, ideal for daily processing above 500 tons, targeting export or nationwide markets. However, this equipment requires significant investment, strict process control, and a robust solvent recovery and environmental system. Implementing it without sufficient capital and market capacity may impose a heavy burden.

Although batch tank, horizontal rotary, and chain-type extraction equipment all operate on the “solvent extraction” principle, they are fundamentally different process routes and equipment structures. Selection should be based on peanut oil production demand, market positioning, and investment budget—not on the assumption that one must “start small and upgrade sequentially.”
Contact us for quotations and process design of all three types of peanut oil solvent extraction plant!

Core Indicators to Consider When Selecting Solvent Extraction Equipment

When choosing solvent extraction equipment for a peanut oil factory, investors should focus on three key aspects:

• Solvent Consumption and Oil Recovery Rate: Select equipment with a low residual oil rate (such as horizontal rotary or chain-type extraction). Ensure the evaporation and desolventizing system is well-designed, with solvent recovery above 95%, to minimize annual losses of solvent and peanut oil, improve economic efficiency, and shorten investment payback period.
• Continuous Operation Stability: Equipment should adapt to variations in peanut cake moisture and particle size, operate continuously without affecting oil yield, and feature long maintenance intervals with easily replaceable wear parts, ensuring stable production and product quality for medium and large peanut oil factories.
• Safety and Environmental Compliance: Must have explosion-proof design, solvent vapor recovery, and tail gas treatment meeting national standards. Residual solvent should remain within safe limits, ensuring both peanut oil and desolventized peanut meal are safe for consumption and feed, while avoiding future environmental retrofit costs.

Considering these indicators ensures efficient cooking oil extraction, stable output, and environmental safety, providing reliable guidance for investors in selecting a solvent extraction plant.