Key Operations in a Soybean Oil Factory:1.Soybean Storage and Handling:
Raw Soybean Storage: Large silos or storage units are used to hold raw soybeans before they enter the production process. Proper storage conditions are maintained to prevent spoilage and contamination.
Transport Systems: Conveyors, elevators, and other transport systems move soybeans through different stages of the factory.
2.Soybean Cleaning and Preparation:
Cleaning Section: Soybeans are cleaned using vibrating screens, magnetic separators, and de-stoners to remove impurities such as dust, stones, metals, and other foreign materials.
Dehulling: The hulls (outer covering) are removed from the soybeans to facilitate oil extraction and improve the efficiency of the process.
3.Soybean Oil Extraction Process:
Crushing/Flaking: Soybeans are crushed and flaked to break the cell walls, making it easier to extract oil.
Conditioning: The crushed soybeans are heated to soften them, which helps to increase oil extraction rates.
4.Pressing or Solvent Extraction:
Mechanical Pressing: In smaller factories, screw presses are used to mechanically extract oil from soybeans.
Solvent Extraction: In large-scale factories, solvent extraction is employed to remove the oil. This method uses a solvent like hexane to dissolve the oil from the soybean cake.
Oil Refining Process: After extraction, the crude soybean oil is processed to remove impurities and make it suitable for consumption or other applications.
Degumming: Phospholipids (gums) are removed by adding water or acid.
Neutralization: Free fatty acids are removed by adding an alkali to neutralize them.
Bleaching: Color pigments such as chlorophyll are removed using bleaching agents.
Deodorization: Steam is used to remove volatile compounds that give the oil an unpleasant smell or taste.
5.Packaging and Storage:
Oil Packaging: The refined soybean oil is packaged in bottles, drums, or bulk containers, depending on the target market.
Oil Storage Tanks: Large tanks store refined oil before it is shipped to distributors or end-users.
6.By-product Processing:
Soybean Meal: The leftover material after oil extraction is called soybean meal, which is a high-protein feed used in livestock and poultry industries.
Soy Lecithin: A by-product from degumming, soy lecithin is used as an emulsifier in food products and other industries.
Soybean Hulls: Often used as fiber-rich animal feed or for other industrial purposes.
Key Machinery in a Soybean Oil Factory:1.Cleaning Equipment: Vibrating screens, de-stoners, and magnetic separators.
2.Soybean Crusher and Flaker: Breaks down soybeans to prepare for extraction.
3.Screw Press: For mechanical extraction of oil.
4.Solvent Extraction System: For high-efficiency extraction of residual oil.
5.Oil Refining Unit: Includes degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorizing equipment.
6.Packaging Line: Automatic bottling and packing machines for retail or bulk distribution.
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