Extract more value from oilseed processing

 

The oilseed processing industry spans a wide variety of crops and an equally diverse range of edible oil and oilseed meal by-products. All aspects of the business share a common goal – to extract as much oil and meal for least cost with the highest quality.

Knowledge is a key step in achieving this goal. For instance, understanding the quality of raw material such as soybean, sunflower seed and rapeseed, is essential for efficient oilseed processing. Another example is how insight into oil depletion after pressing helps to handle the press cake for optimal yield and economy. And in the production of oilseed meal, monitoring protein, moisture and fat improves yield while limiting any variation in final product quality that can lead to customer claims.

Whatever the example, well-proven near infrared (NIR) analytical solutions offer you a convenient way to get the insight you need. Rapid and reliable analysis of key parameters such as oil content, moisture, protein, fiber and fatty acids and more helps you to boost yield while controlling quality.


 

 

Quality control of raw material – just place the sample and press start

 

 

Multi-parameter analysis of protein, moisture and other parameters taking less than a minute, allows all deliveries to be checked for payment purposes and segregation and processing. The ability to test whole sunflower seeds without sample preparation is just one example of how rapid and flexible analysis with near infrared (NIR) adds value from intake to finished oil.

Four key parameters tested within 30 seconds

An easy to use and highly reliable analytical instrument allows whole sunflower seeds to be tested directly in a sample cup. This avoids time-consuming reference tests based on chemical analysis and cuts the use of hazardous solvents. Results are delivered within 30 seconds and the parameters measured are oil, moisture, and oleic and linoleic acid.

Oil and moisture are key parameters for payment, segregation and storage of sunflower seeds. Moisture is important for controlling the energy intensive drying processes and hitting the generally recommended moisture content of 7.5 to 9.0% for storage. Overall oil content allows segregation of seeds for rational use downstream in processing.

Oleic and linoleic acid are the two main fat components and the ratio is important for quality control when deciding how best to use the seeds. High Oleic acid content can give a higher premium as it is prized for health and cooking benefits which are claimed to be very similar to olive oil in helping to maintain a healthy balance of blood cholesterol. At the same time, the oil withstands higher cooking temperature and has a neutral taste compared to olive oil. Read more.

 

Put your oilseed meal process on cruise control with in-line analysis

 

 

Achieve complete control of your meal production with the ProFoss™ 2 in-line sensor. In comparison to periodic tests with a benchtop analyser, ProFoss 2 gives a continuous flow of “real time” results after the desolventiser and toasting phase for the final meal product.

 

The test data can also be easily integrated into control systems such as PLC, SCADA or statistical programes such as LIMS. In short, with ProFoss 2 you gain the ability to run production on cruise control, meeting targets consistently for increased profit with less risk of customer claims.

 

More profit from soybean meal production

Close and continuous monitoring of soybean meal production pays off by allowing you to meet protein targets spot on minute after minute and hour after hour. In this way, you can achieve great yield while limiting variation in protein content in final product that can lead to customer claims. Such a proactive approach to process control fits with today’s efficiency goals defined by the Industry 4.0 initiative. Protein targets can be met more closely and consistently. At the same time, the more consistent product deliveries build supplier reputation while continuous improvements ripple through different aspects of your process, including production safety, maintenance and quality. Not least, insight into the process helps you to optimize energy usage, for example, through tighter control in the drying step.

By moving protein closer to target by just 0.5%, soybean crushers can save USD 300,000 per year (based on an annual production of 100,000 tons and a soybean meal price of USD 400/Ton).

The continuous measurements of moisture content in soybean meal can also save USD 100,000 per year by helping soybean crushers to move moisture 0.25% on average closer to the limit without additional risk to claims, price penalties, or rejection of shipments (based on an annual production of 100,000 tons and a soybean meal price of USD 400/Ton). Read more.

 

Meeting regulatory and customer expectations with reliable and traceable finished product analysis

 

Analysis at the critical final stage of production helps you to limit liabilities and potentially damaging product recalls. Instead you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your products meet specifications.

The majority of this testing can be performed using rapid routine analysis with NIR, but certified chemical analysis methods are also often required for validation of compliance with certain end-product criteria. For chemical analysis we can provide a complete range of solutions aimed at automating steps for speed and safety while minimizing use of chemicals. Just one example is the fast and efficient automation of the classic Kjeldahl reference method. Read more here

 

 

Performance, uptime and transparency of data

 

FOSS solutions draw on multiple technology disciplines including instrumentation, software and connectivity. Among the benefits of this complete solution approach is rock-solid and consistent high analytical performance of instruments, no matter where they are located and who is using them. Other advantages include transparency and traceability of results and unique levels of service and support.

 

 

With you in your daily work

 

Our integrated and remotely controlled support and optimization services ensure maximum value from all your FOSS solution wherever you are in the world. Beyond on-site maintenance, our service engineers and application specialists are always with you online. The team monitors performance status and secures that your connected analytical operations run smoothly. Our preventive maintenance warrants up-time and quality of data - day after day.