What to Look for When Buying Ethanol Extraction Equipment
- Written by NewsCo
Humanity has been familiar with the concept of extracts for thousands of years. These substances have been used for various purposes, such as medication, cosmetics, and food, from ancient times. Recently, they have found their application in industry as well. The purpose of extraction is to collect active matters and separate them from those less important.
Nowadays, extracts are obtained by subjecting plants to selected extraction agents in which the desired substances are dissolved. CO2 is a popular option due to its benefits, but ethanol can be an excellent choice too.
The process usually involves many stages until obtaining an end product. But it's highly efficient, as you can read on this source. The choice of the extraction equipment will depend on the industry, but there are a few more features to look for.
Functionality
Functionality is an important trait to look for when buying extraction machines. They are made to make the process easier, but this does not mean that each machine is the same. Different circuits offer different functions that will depend on the purpose.
The extraction equipment should be flexible and designed to handle all types of raw plant materials. That means the same machine is versatile enough to extract CBD, sunflower or olive oil, and many other things. Industrial extractors are automated and have many options to support all stages of the ethanol extraction process.
Efficiency
The most important aspect of the extractors is their efficiency and the time taken to fill a reservoir. It's determined by how long it takes for a circuit to do one spindle rotation. That's roughly equal to one hour of work. It also determines the maximum capacity of the machine. The work volume can be further improved by increasing the speed or number of rotations per minute.
High performance is a feature to look for. If a machine can't produce quality work, it won't be worth the price or the effort to buy and operate. This equipment should be designed to make the process simple and easy to perform. If the extraction is not done properly, the end product might need extra processing. For companies, that means a waste of time and money.
The machinery should be designed to be durable and strong. Whoever pays for this equipment should use it for a while. It should also be well lubricated and have enough capacity. Extraction equipment requires expert work, but it has to be easy to operate by non-technical staff, too.
Capacity
The answer to what machine capacity you need is pretty simple — as much as your output. If you have small-scale production, you don't need systems with large containers and tanks. You could get extractors that are usually intended for ethanol only.
But, for commercial production, you will need all-in-one circuits with large capacities. These should process more than 3,000 pounds of raw materials per day. That amount can go up to several hundred thousand pounds a day. In that case, you need a top-notch device to control massive production.
Safety Issue
Safety is also an important feature to look for when buying extraction machines. The speed of the machine matters because the product must be extracted as fast as possible. If it's slow, the equipment will become inoperable. That can lead to poor-quality and contaminated products.
Tips on safe ethanol storage are on the following page:
Operators have to be cautious with ethanol. Regardless of the quality and reliability of the machine, this solvent is highly flammable. Working on large extractors requires workers with specialized knowledge and skills. They should also know safety procedures in case of an accident.
Maintenance Requirements
When looking at extraction machines, consider safety matter, operational features, and care level. Safe and smooth work is important for professional buyers who are buying the equipment for commercial use. But they care about the maintenance level. If it's high, that will mean more expenses.
Extraction equipment shouldn't require much maintenance. A machine that runs continuously for two or three years without breakdowns should be considered a good choice. Check if the company selling the equipment has a service book. That matters if you buy used machines, as you can have an insight into previous maintenance.
Price Range and Brand Reputation
Buyers interested in finding a reliable brand of ethanol extraction equipment will have a hard time. There are few reputable companies, but also those making machines that don't meet industry standards. You need someone with a long track record of providing quality machines. Reading reviews of particular brands and their products is a good way to get a feel for what others have experienced in the past.
Buyers should research several companies before purchasing. That will help them determine the most reliable manufacturer, but also to inquire about prices. It can be anywhere between a few hundred to several hundred thousand dollars.
Machine dimension and features are the most important factors for forming a price. Also, the level of workers' engagement will affect it too. Automated machines will be costlier, but you don't need human intervention. Semi-automated and manual circuits will have lower prices, but you must hire an expert to work on them.
Buying this equipment is a significant investment (even when it comes to small-scale machines). It is advisable to spend some time researching several brands and their offers. An excellent product will provide dependable performance for a reasonable price.