In the process of corn germ oil extraction, temperature control is crucial. Many people may not be aware of the harm of improper temperature control. For example, high - temperature oxidation can lead to the deterioration of oil. When the temperature exceeds 120°C, the oil begins to oxidize rapidly, and the nutrients in the oil, such as vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids, are destroyed. This not only affects the nutritional value of the oil but also changes its flavor and color, making the oil less palatable and marketable.
Engineer's Practical Note: In a previous project, we found that when the temperature was set too high during the initial stage of pressing, the oil had a burnt smell, and the peroxide value increased significantly, which seriously affected the quality of the final product.
The state of the raw materials, including moisture content and particle size, has a significant impact on the optimal temperature range. If the moisture content of the corn germ is high, around 12% - 15%, the initial pressing temperature should be set at 80 - 90°C. This temperature can effectively evaporate the excess moisture while starting the oil - extraction process. For corn germ with a lower moisture content, say 8% - 10%, a slightly higher temperature of 90 - 100°C is more appropriate.
Regarding particle size, finer particles require a relatively lower temperature. If the particle size is less than 2mm, a temperature range of 70 - 85°C is recommended. Coarser particles, larger than 2mm, can withstand a higher temperature of 85 - 100°C.
The relationship between pressing pressure and temperature is synergistic. When the temperature is in the range of 80 - 90°C, the optimal pressure range is 15 - 20MPa. As the temperature rises to 90 - 100°C, the pressure can be increased to 20 - 25MPa. This combination can ensure a high oil - extraction rate while maintaining the quality of the oil.
Engineer's Practical Note: Through multiple experiments, we found that when the temperature was 95°C and the pressure was 22MPa, the oil - extraction rate reached 45%, which was a significant improvement compared to previous settings.
Small - scale production lines usually have limited resources and flexibility. For small - scale production, a more manual temperature - control system can be used. The initial investment is relatively low, and it can be adjusted according to the actual production volume. For example, a small - scale factory with a daily output of less than 10 tons can use a simple electric heater with a temperature - control switch. The temperature can be adjusted manually within a certain range.
In contrast, large - scale production lines require a more precise and automated temperature - control system. A computer - controlled intelligent temperature - control system can monitor and adjust the temperature in real - time. It can also be integrated with the pressure - control system to achieve coordinated regulation. For a large - scale factory with a daily output of more than 50 tons, an intelligent temperature - control system with a feedback loop is necessary to ensure stable and efficient production.
You can quickly identify if the material is suitable for the current temperature control settings by observing the appearance and smell of the oil during the pressing process. If the oil is clear and has a normal corn - oil smell, it indicates that the temperature settings are appropriate. If the oil is turbid or has a strange smell, such as a burnt smell, it may mean that the temperature is too high.
Another way is to check the residue after pressing. If the residue is dry and has a low oil content, it shows that the pressing process is efficient under the current temperature and pressure settings. If the residue is oily, it may be necessary to adjust the temperature or pressure.
If the oil color is too dark, it may be due to high - temperature oxidation. You can lower the temperature during the pressing process and add a decolorization step in the post - processing. For high oil content in the residue, you can increase the pressure slightly or adjust the temperature to a more appropriate range.
If you want to learn more about advanced corn germ oil extraction techniques and temperature - control strategies, please visit our official website or contact our online customer service for in - depth technical support.