1–20 TPD Small Soybean Oil Plant
Small scale oil plants with a daily capacity of 1–20 tons are the ideal solution for small-scale edible oil production. Although compact, these facilities include all necessary equipment: cleaning screens, cookers, oil presses, and oil filters. However, processing steps may vary depending on the type of oilseed. For example, peanut oil, sunflower seed oil, and other shelled oilseeds require a dehusking machine.
Below, we will use a soybean oil plant as an example to explain the complete processing workflow and required equipment for a small-scale facility.
Why Build a Small Soybean Oil Plant?
- Low investment, quick return—an ideal choice for family businesses or startups.
- Flexible production capacity—ranging from 1 ton/day to 20 tons/day to meet local market demand.
- Multi-oilseed capability—including soybeans, sunflower seeds, peanuts, rapeseed, cottonseed, sesame, and more.
- Easy to operate—simple installation and maintenance.
Equipment Required for a Small Soybean Oil Plant
1. Cleaning Machine (Seed Cleaner)
To produce high-quality soybean oil, raw soybeans must be thoroughly cleaned. The cleaner removes soil, stones, dust, and other impurities that may affect oil quality. After cleaning, the soybeans must be dried and dehulled. Dehulling is crucial because the soybean hull absorbs oil, reducing the final oil yield.
2. Cooker (Conditioning Pot)
The steamer is used to adjust the moisture content and temperature of the soybeans. Proper conditioning improves oil yield. Soybeans must be heated to 60–88°C (140–190°F) to optimize oil yield during the pressing process. This step also enhances the flavor and stability of the crude oil.
3. Oil Press (Screw Press)
The oil press is the core equipment of a small oil mill plant. After washing and conditioning, the soybeans are fed into the oil press, where mechanical pressure is applied to extract the oil. Modern screw presses are energy-efficient, highly effective, and durable, suitable for operations with a daily processing capacity of 1–20 tons.
4. Filter Press (Oil Filter)
The oil extracted from the press is crude oil containing organic solids and fine particles. The oil filter removes these impurities, yielding clear, market-ready oil. Plate-and-frame oil filters are typically used to achieve higher purity.
5. Oil Refining Unit (Optional but Recommended)
The filtered oil can be further refined to remove phospholipids (gum), free fatty acids, pigments, and off-flavors. In soybean oil plants, a small refining unit is optional but significantly enhances the product’s value. You can choose whether to include degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization tanks based on your budget and business objectives.
Processing Flow for Different Capacities
| Capacity | Main Process Flow |
|---|---|
| 1–5 TPD | Cleaning → Cooking → Pressing → Filtration |
| 5–10 TPD | Cleaning → Cooking → Pressing → Filtration |
| 10–20 TPD | Cleaning → Cooking → Pressing → Filtration → Refining (optional) |
Note: For capacities above 10 TPD, adding a small refining unit improves oil grade and shelf life, making it suitable for retail packaging.
Cost of Setting Up a Small Soybean Oil Plant
The total construction cost of a small soybean oil mill depends on: plant floor area (land purchase or lease), number of workers and local wage levels, machinery configuration (press, filter, steamer, cleaner), as well as the availability and price of raw materials.
Land costs are typically low, especially in rural areas. The primary investment lies in the oil press and auxiliary equipment. The cost of a complete soybean oil production line (with a daily output of 1–20 tons) generally ranges from $5,500 to $35,000, with the exact price depending on the level of automation, raw material quality, and supporting equipment.
Example Cost Breakdown (10 TPD plant):
- Cleaning & dehulling unit: $1,500–3,000
- Cooker (conditioning pot): $1,000–2,500
- Oil press machine: $2,500–8,000
- Filter press: $800–2,000
- Refining unit (optional): $3,000–12,000
- Installation & training: $500–2,000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use the same plant for different oilseeds?
A: Yes. With minor adjustments to temperature and pressing speed, the same oil press can handle soybeans, sunflower, canola, peanuts, and more.
Q: Do I need a refining unit?
A: Not necessarily. For direct consumption or local markets, filtered crude oil is acceptable. Refining improves quality, color, and shelf life for retail or export.
Q: How much space is required?
A: A 10 TPD plant typically needs 50–100 m² of floor space, plus storage for raw materials and finished oil.
Q: What is the power consumption?
A: Approximately 15–40 kW total, depending on equipment configuration.
Get a Custom Quote for a Small Oil Plant
For detailed information on equipment selection, plant layout design, and total cost estimates for small oil plants, oil extraction lines, or soybean oil plants, please provide your desired daily production capacity (1–20 TPD), type of oilseeds, available factory floor space, and budget range. We will provide a customized solution within 24 hours.