Oil & Mills
In oil mills, steam boilers are integral to various processes, providing essential heat and facilitating multiple operations. Here's a detailed look at their role :
Heating for Extraction : Steam is used to heat the oil seeds during the extraction process. For processes like solvent extraction or expeller pressing, heating the seeds helps to soften them, making it easier to extract oil. This pre-conditioning step improves the efficiency and yield of oil extraction.
Cooking and Conditioning : In the oil extraction process, seeds are often conditioned by heating to optimize oil extraction. Steam boilers provide the heat required to cook or condition the seeds, which enhances the oil extraction process and increases the yield.
Steam for Pressing : In expeller or screw pressing, steam is used to maintain the temperature of the seeds and the pressing equipment. Proper temperature control ensures that the oil is extracted efficiently and that the oil cake is processed correctly.
Solvent Recovery : In solvent extraction processes, steam is used to help remove the solvent from the oil and the meal (the residual cake after oil extraction). Steam is used to evaporate the solvent, which is then condensed and recovered for reuse, while the oil is separated from the solvent.
Refining : During the refining process of crude oil, steam is used in various stages, including degumming, neutralization, and deodorization. Steam helps in removing impurities, free fatty acids, and undesirable flavors or odors from the crude oil.
Cleaning : Steam is used in cleaning and sanitizing equipment, pipelines, and tanks. The high temperature of steam effectively kills bacteria and removes residues, ensuring that the equipment is hygienic and ready for use.
Energy Efficiency : Steam boilers are often part of combined heat and power (CHP) systems in oil mills. They can utilize waste heat from the boiler to generate electricity or provide additional heating, improving overall energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Temperature Control : Accurate temperature control is crucial in oil mills to ensure optimal processing conditions. Steam boilers provide a reliable and controllable heat source, helping to maintain the required temperatures throughout the various stages of oil processing.