DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A HIGH-YIELD EDIBLE OIL EXPELLER SCREW SHAFT

This project focuses on the design, construction, and performance testing of a mechanical oil expeller press for extracting oil from various raw materials including coconut, mustard seed, sesame, and groundnuts. The expeller was also subject to structural analysis using simulation software to ensure its safety and efficiency. Unlike chemical and centrifuge processes, which rely on solvents or high-speed spinning to extract oil, the mechanical expeller press uses a screw to apply pressure to the raw material, forcing the oil out. The screw shaft was designed using the ASME shaft design code and manufactured using locally available mild steel. The machine was powered by a 1 hp electric motor, and the screw rotated at a speed of 140 rpm. Raw materials were fed into the machine through a hopper and compressed inside the barrel for oil extraction. The cake, or residual material, was discharged outside the machine using a choke mechanism. The pressure on the screw was analyzed using simulation software and found to be within safe limits, ensuring the machine’s durability and reliability. Overall, this project provides a viable solution for small-scale oil extraction using a mechanical expeller press that is safe, efficient, and cost-effective.