It is a mechanical press that uses a rotating screw (auger) to continuously compress olive paste and separate oil from solids and water. Screw presses are used for small- to medium-scale olive oil production and are valued for continuous operation and relatively simple maintenance.
Olives are crushed into a paste (or fed as pits+pulps), then conveyed by a rotating screw through a tapered cage. Compression forces oil and liquid through the cage screens while solids (cake) are discharged at the end. Liquid is then separated into oil and water by decantation or centrifugation.
Capacities vary by model. Typical screw presses for olive oil production range from about 50 kg/h for small units up to 1,000+ kg/h for larger industrial models. Exact capacity depends on screw size, motor power, and olive characteristics.
Yield depends mainly on olive variety, ripeness, pre-treatment and process settings. Olives generally contain roughly 12–25% oil by weight; a well-operated screw press can recover around 80–95% of the oil present in the paste, with the higher end achieved after good paste preparation and optimization.
Yes. Cold pressing is possible if process temperatures are kept below recommended limits (often <27°C/80°F) and olives/paste are processed without heating. Temperature control, quick processing, and hygienic handling are essential to achieving high-quality extra virgin oil.
Olives should be cleaned (to remove leaves, stones, and debris) and crushed or milled into a homogeneous paste before feeding the screw press. Some setups pit the olives beforehand or use hammer mills or disc crushers for milling. Proper paste consistency improves extraction efficiency.
Parts in contact with olives and oil are typically stainless steel (304 or 316) to meet food safety and corrosion resistance requirements. Other structural components may use painted steel or alloy steels depending on the model.
Power depends on capacity; motors commonly range from a few kilowatts for small units up to tens of kW for larger presses. Machines usually operate on three-phase power (e.g., 380–480V) but can be supplied for local voltages. Water is needed for cleaning; some installations require a small amount for paste conditioning.
Screw presses are designed for relatively straightforward cleaning and maintenance. Daily cleaning of screens and paste-contact surfaces is recommended. Periodic inspection of the screw, cage, seals and bearings and timely replacement of wear parts will prolong service life. Many models allow partial disassembly without special tools.
Common wear parts include the screw/auger, cage/screens, seals, bearings and drive belts. Filters and hoses may also require periodic replacement. It's advisable to stock key spares or ensure rapid access from the supplier.
Basic screw presses separate liquid from solids; the output is a mixture of oil and vegetation water. For quality oil, you will typically use a decanter centrifuge or settling tanks and filter presses or cloth/filter cartridges for polishing. Some suppliers offer integrated separation/filtration units as part of a complete system.
Installation requires a level, sturdy floor (concrete) and space for the press, paste preparation equipment, and downstream separation/filtration. Footprint depends on capacity—small units can fit in a compact room, while larger lines need a production area and material handling space. Proper drainage and waste handling for pomace and vegetation water are also needed.
Safety features commonly include emergency stop buttons, guards over moving parts, overload protection on the drive, and interlocks that prevent operation when access panels are open. Safe electrical wiring and operator training are important to prevent accidents.
Look for food-grade materials (stainless steel), compliance with local electrical and machine-safety standards, and, where applicable, CE marking for European markets. Suppliers may also provide documentation to support HACCP, GMP, or other food-safety systems.
Warranty terms vary by manufacturer but commonly cover 12 months for mechanical and electrical defects. Delivery time depends on model availability and customization; typical lead times range from 2–8 weeks. Good suppliers provide installation support, operator training, spare parts supply and technical service—confirm these details before purchase.
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