Investigation of the influence of the properties of the pressed material on the energy consumption and design parameters of the oil press

Abstract

The article presents ways to obtain alternative sources of protein and fat from perennial crops and insects. The main properties of the material influencing the process of extracting fat from insects are considered. According to the results of the studies, the optimal technological parameters of the dried Hermetia illucens larva were revealed when pressing the fat. The optimum mass fraction of moisture is 15%. At a moisture content of insect biomass of 15%, fat filtration occurs at a pressure of 2.5 MPa. Microwave treatment of the material before pressing reduces the pressure at which the fat is squeezed out – 1.9 MPa at a material heating power of 1000 W. The intensity of heating does not significantly affect the acid number of the fat. Therefore, the most optimal heating power is 1000 W. The granulometric composition of the insect biomass also influences the fat squeezing process. Before pressing the fat, it is necessary to grind the larva to the size of particles passing through a 1 mm sieve in an amount of at least 60% of the total mass. The preparation of the material for the squeezing process has a significant effect on the energy consumption of the process. With a granulometric composition of particles of 1 mm, a moisture content of 15% and heating with a microwave power of 1000 W to 60° C, it provides a process that is 2 times less energy-intensive compared to pressing fat from an unprepared material.