Coconut oil, extracted from the meat of mature coconuts. It's rich nutritional, including lauric acid (48%). Coconut oil processing machines enable small-scale and large-scale production. These machines vary in size, capacity, and functionality, catering to different needs and budgets.
In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about coconut oil processing machines, including their types, methods, costs, and more.
What machine is used to make coconut oil?
Producing coconut oil involves multiple stages, each requires specialized equipment. Below, we detail key machines used in the coconut oil extraction process.
Coconut Cleaning Machine
Raw coconuts contain debris, dust, and impurities. Need to use air blowers and vibrating screens to remove foreign particles, ensure only clean coconuts proceed to subsequent stages. It is critical for producing safe, high-quality oil.
Copra Crushing Machine
Once cleaned, coconuts are often dried to produce copra, the dried coconut meat with high oil content (60-70%). Copra crushing machines break copra into smaller pieces, increasing surface area for oil extraction.
These machines are robust, designed to handle large volumes, and often feature adjustable settings for different copra sizes.
Copra Cooking Machine
The copra cooking machine heats copra at temperatures, typically 60-80°C, reducing the moisture content by 3–5%. Break down cell walls without degrading copra oil.
This step is common in dry processing and can enhance oil yield, especially for coconut oil press machines.
Coconut Oil Press Machine
The core oil extraction is a coconut oil press machine. These machines apply mechanical pressure to squeeze oil from crushed copra or fresh coconut meat. Two common types are:
* Screw press machine: Ideal for continuous, high-volume production, offering high efficiency and yields.
* Hydraulic press machine: Suited for small-scale coconut oil processing machines, providing precise control for batch processing.
Huatai Intelligent Equipment Group HTZY 140 screw oil press can process 8-10 tons per day, and the large model HTZY 24 screw oil press can process 40-50 tons per day. Welcome to inquire with us at any time!
Crude Copra Oil Filtration Machine
After pressing, crude copra oil contains impurities like solids and water. The filtration machine uses a mesh screen or centrifugal separators to remove, produce clear oil. This step is crucial for both refined and virgin coconut oil, ensuring purity and extending shelf life.
Coconut Oil Refining Machine
Refining removes free fatty acids, odors, and colors for premium-grade oil. The process involves degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization, which often requires a multi-stage refining system.
Henan Huatai Group's coconut oil refining machine capacity of 1-600 tons per day, which can ensure oil meets food-grade standards. Contact us to get more details now.
What are the methods of processing coconut oil?
There are two primary methods for processing coconut oil: dry processing and wet processing. Each method has its own advantages and suits different types of coconut oil.
Dry Processing
Dry processing uses copra as a raw material. The steps include:
1. Cleaning and drying coconuts to produce copra.
2. Crushing the copra into small pieces.
3. Cooking enhances oil release.
4. Pressing to extract crude oil.
5. Filtering and refining produce RBD oil.
This method yields 60-65% oil from copra. It is ideal for cooking and industrial applications due to its neutral flavor and long shelf life. However, refining can remove some natural nutrients.
Wet Processing (Cold Pressing)
Wet processing, or cold pressing, uses fresh coconut meat to produce virgin coconut oil (VCO). The process involves:
* Grating fresh coconut meat
* Mixing water to form coconut milk.
* Separating oil using centrifugation or natural sedimentation.
* Polishing and filtering for clarity.
Wet processing preserves oil’s natural flavor, aroma, and nutrients. Make it an ideal health supplement and cosmetics. It yields 40-50% oil from fresh coconut meat.
Both methods require different types of machinery and suit different markets. Dry processing is more common for industrial products, while wet processing is favored by premium, health-focused products.
What is the best extraction method for coconut oil?
The best coconut oil extraction method depends on the desired oil type:
**Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO): Wet processing is better because it avoids high heat and chemicals, preserves vitamins, antioxidants, and lauric acid (48-53%). It is a healthier option.
Refined Coconut Oil: Dry processing is better for producing neutral, stable cooking oil or industrial use. It offers higher yields but needs refining, sacrificing some nutrients. Factors like cost, yield, and environmental impact also influence choice. Wet processing is eco-friendly but less efficient; dry processing maximizes yield.
What are the steps in making coconut oil?
The coconut oil production process is divided into three main steps:
1. Coconut Pretreatment
2. Cleaning: Remove coconut dirt and impurities.
3. Deshelling: Use a mechanical cracker to separate shells and kernels.
Drying: Use a dry machine copra to 6% moisture.
1. Coconut Oil Extraction
2. Crushing: Crushing copra into 2–3 mm particles.
3. Cooking: Heating to 110°C for 30–60 minutes.
Pressing: Use a screw press machine to press copra extract crude oil, use a double screw oil press for higher oil yields (up to 70%).
1. Coconut Oil Refining
2. Degumming: Removes phospholipids using water or acid.
3. Neutralization: Sodium hydroxide eliminates free fatty acids.
Bleaching: Activated clay absorbs pigments.
Deodorization: Steam distillation removes odors.
1. Fully automatic coconut oil extraction machine
2. How much oil can be extracted from one coconut?
The oil yield from one coconut varies based on size, maturity, and extraction method. A mature coconut (1-2 kg) yields 200-400 g of meat. On average:
Wet Processing: 75-90 ml oil per coconut (250-300 ml per kg meat).
Dry Processing: 45-60 ml oil per coconut (150-200 ml per kg copra).
Factors like automation, stainless steel material, and additional features affect costs. Small-scale coconut oil processing machines suit startups, industrial models suit large-scale production.
Investing in the right coconut oil processing machine is essential to optimize production, quality, and profitability, from a small coconut oil extraction machine to a large coconut oil processing plant. Henan Huatai Group has a wide range of equipment that can meet different needs and budgets.
Henan Huatai Intelligent Equipment Group provides 30-1000TPD coconut oil processing machines and 1-600TPD coconut oil refining equipment. If you want to set up a complete coconut oil production line and make a profit. Our engineers can provide quality services and customized solutions. Feel free to contact us!
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