How Does a Cold Oil Press Work?
Cold oil pressing is a natural and chemical-free method of extracting oil from seeds and nuts. Unlike hot pressing, which involves high temperatures, cold pressing preserves the oil’s natural flavor, color, and nutritional value. But how exactly does a cold oil press work? Let’s break down the process step by step.
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1. What Is Cold Pressing?
Cold pressing refers to extracting oil at low temperatures, usually below 60°C (140°F). The goal is to avoid thermal degradation of the oil’s beneficial compounds, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and unsaturated fatty acids. This method is especially favored in the production of high-quality edible oils and cosmetic oils.
2. Working Principle of a Cold Oil Press
A cold oil press machine operates mainly through mechanical pressure without external heating. Here’s how it works:
Feeding the Raw Material
Oil-bearing seeds (e.g., sesame, sunflower, flaxseed) are cleaned and fed into the press.
Mechanical Compression
Inside the press chamber, a screw shaft (in a screw oil press) or a piston (in a hydraulic press) gradually compresses the material. Frictional heat is generated but kept within acceptable limits (usually under 60°C).
Oil Separation
As pressure increases, oil is squeezed out of the seed material and flows through small holes or filter screens into a collection container.
Oil Collection and Filtration
The raw cold-pressed oil is collected and typically filtered to remove impurities or fine particles.
Cake Discharge
The dry, de-oiled residue—called oil cake—is automatically discharged and can be used as animal feed or fertilizer.
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3. Equipment Used in Cold Pressing
Cold oil pressing can be done using two main types of machines:
Screw Cold Oil Press: Continuously feeds and presses seeds with a rotating screw shaft. Best for sunflower, flaxseed, and rapeseed.
Hydraulic Cold Oil Press: Uses a piston to apply high pressure in a short burst. Preferred for small-batch oils like sesame, walnut, or almond.
Vos offers both types, available in various capacities to meet the needs of small businesses or commercial-scale operations.
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4. Advantages of cold pressing process
Nutrient Retention: Cold-pressed oil contains more vitamins, enzymes, and unsaturated fats.
Better Flavor: Preserves the natural aroma and taste of the seed.
Chemical-Free: No solvents or additives are used.
Environmentally Friendly: Lower energy consumption and no chemical waste.
However, it's worth noting that cold pressing typically results in lower oil yield than hot pressing, which is a trade-off for higher oil quality.
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5. Cold Press Oil Applications
Cold-pressed oils are used in a wide range of industries. The following table organizes common cold pressing process oils by application category:
| Application | Common Oils | Main Benefits |
| Cooking | Flaxseed oil, Sesame oil, Sunflower oil, Walnut oil | Rich in natural flavor, high in nutrients, no chemical residues |
| Cosmetics | Jojoba oil, Almond oil, Argan oil, Hemp seed oil | Moisturizing, non-irritating, rich in vitamins and antioxidants |
| Health & Supplements | Black seed oil, Flaxseed oil, Hemp seed oil | Supports immunity, heart health, and anti-inflammatory effects |
Vos cold oil press machines are suitable for all of the above applications, with models designed to handle different seed types and production scales.
