What machines are necessary for peanut oil production in Sudan?

What machinery is essential for peanut oil production? (A practical guide for Sudanese investors)

For the Sudanese market, if you plan to build or upgrade a peanut oil plant, and you're looking to determine which peanut oil production machines are "essential" and which are "optimal" for different production capacities and processes, QIE Group helps Sudanese clients quickly identify their investment path by outlining the core processes, necessary equipment lists, and selection criteria for peanut oil production, while also considering local power, raw material, and compliance requirements.

I. From Raw Materials to Finished Products: The Basic Process of Peanut Oil Production

Peanut oil production generally consists of three main parts: pretreatment and pressing (or pre-pressing), solvent extraction (commonly used in large and medium-sized factories), and refining and bottling. The "essential machines" differ depending on the size of the factory, but the process logic remains the same: first, the peanuts are shelled, cleaned, and conditioned; then they are pressed or extracted; next, refining removes impurities, pigments, and off-flavors; and finally, the finished oil is bottled. In Sudan (such as Gedarif, Sennar, and North Kordofan), peanuts have a high oil yield (kernel oil content is generally 45%–52%), and proper pretreatment is fundamental to achieving this high yield.

II. Essential Peanut Oil Production Machines for Different Production Capacities

The following are suggestions based on QIE Group's experience in projects in Sudan (data are industry experience values, for project initiation reference):

III. Which machines are "essential"?

1) Cleaning and Pre-treatment (Required) : Vibrating screen, destoner, magnetic separator, air classifier for dust removal, sheller (peanut kernels must be removed from the pods). Sudanese production areas have a lot of dust, so the cleaning stage is essential; for better quality, it is recommended to add a color sorter to reduce moldy kernels and lower the risk of aflatoxin.

2) Crushing/Steaming/Softening (Simplified for small-scale processes, but conditioning equipment is still recommended) : Steaming or frying pans or conditioning pots use heating and moderate humidification to break down cell walls, reduce viscosity, and improve oil yield and flavor stability. The target moisture content is usually controlled in the range of 6%–8%.

3) Pressing (essential) : The screw oil press is the "heart" of small and medium-sized peanut oil production machines. The residual oil in a single press cake is generally about 6%–8%, which can be further reduced to about 1% or less by combining pre-pressing and leaching.

4) Filtration (mandatory) : Primary filtration (oil filter/plate and frame filter) removes oil residue and protects downstream equipment. For medium-sized production lines, plate and frame filters or bag filters are recommended to improve clarity.

5) Leaching (strongly recommended for medium and large scale) : When you need lower residual oil and lower unit cost, the solvent leaching unit combined with DTDC is a key piece of equipment.

6) Refining (mandatory, at least basic refining) : Degumming, deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization form the core of refining. Depending on market positioning, dewaxing/wintering (to improve low-temperature clarity) can be added. The vacuum system and heat exchange design determine the flavor and energy consumption of the finished oil.

7) Filling and storage (mandatory) : Semi-automatic or fully automatic filling machines, coding machines, capping machines, labeling machines and finished oil tanks, plus nitrogen sealing and breather valves to ensure oil quality.

IV. Key Points for Engineering Adaptation under Sudanese Conditions

• Electricity and Energy: It is recommended that the motor adopt an IP55/dustproof structure and be equipped with voltage stabilization and generator backup; the steam boiler can be either fueled by heavy oil or diesel, taking into account fuel availability.
• Raw materials and storage: The moisture content of peanut kernels should be controlled at 7%–8% before entering the factory. The silo needs to be ventilated, off the ground and moisture-proof. Color sorting should be used to reduce the risk of aflatoxin.
• Climate and dust: Install bag filters and enclosed conveyors to reduce dust accumulation; consider high-temperature grease in critical bearing areas to extend maintenance intervals.
• Compliance and Certification: Designed according to SSMO, HACCP/ISO 22000; if solvent leaching is used, explosion-proof and VOC control requirements shall be implemented.
• Logistics and after-sales service: The equipment is shipped in modular containers to Port Sudan, and QIE Group can send an engineering team to Khartoum and major production areas to provide on-site guidance and training.

V. Investment and Costs

Total investment is primarily determined by capacity, level of automation, and refining depth. Generally, small-scale lines have relatively low financial pressure, medium-sized lines need to balance brand quality and efficiency, and large-scale lines focus more on cost per ton of oil and sustainable operation. On the operating cost side, steam and electricity account for a high proportion, and leaching lines also involve solvent loss and safety management; it is recommended to allocate a budget for energy efficiency optimization (such as heat recovery and frequency converter retrofitting) during the selection phase, which can often offset the initial investment within a 6-18 month operating cycle.

For Sudanese customers, the common approach is to first implement a combination of "pretreatment + pressing + basic refining + semi-automatic filling", and then upgrade to continuous refining or add an extraction stage after profitability is achieved.

VI. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Selection Acceptance

• Oil yield: Taking qualified peanut kernels as an example, the residual oil in a single pressing cake is about 6%–8%; pre-pressing + leaching can reduce the residual oil to about 1% or less.
• Oil quality: Acid value, peroxide value, color, and low-temperature turbidity determine market acceptance; if you want to obtain higher quality oil, it is recommended to add winterization/dewaxing processes.
• Energy and material consumption: Electricity consumption, steam, solvent loss, and consumption of filter aids and clay directly affect the cost per ton of oil.
• Stability and maintenance: lifespan and spare parts availability of key wear parts such as bearings, screw press bars, and vacuum pumps.

VII. Why choose QIE Group as the manufacturer of peanut oil production machines?

As a manufacturer specializing in peanut oil production machinery with deep expertise in oleochemical engineering, QIE Group offers integrated services ranging from process packages, equipment design and manufacturing, installation and commissioning to employee training and remote operation and maintenance. Our peanut oil production equipment covers a full range from 5 to 800 tons/day, supports English/Arabic/Chinese interfaces, and is customized to meet the specific operating conditions of Sudanese clients (dustproof, heat-resistant, modular transport). Furthermore, we utilize efficient heat exchange and vacuum systems in the pretreatment, leaching, and refining stages to help you enhance your competitiveness in both local and export markets.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (Real Concerns from Sudanese Customers)

9. How to quickly determine your "essential list"

1. Define the target production capacity (bulk, catering, retail bottled, or export).
2. Determine the depth of the process (pressing only, or pre-pressing + leaching, and whether winterization/dewaxing is required).
3. Assess the energy mix (electricity/diesel/heavy oil/steam) and the stability of local power supply.
4. Implement compliance (SSMO, HACCP/ISO 22000, explosion protection and environmental protection).
5. Refer to the list in this article and fill out the equipment configuration form with QIE Group engineers to obtain detailed solutions and energy consumption estimates.

If you are planning a new plant or upgrading an existing line in Sudan, please send us your raw material samples, target capacity, and existing site parameters. Our engineers will provide practical suggestions based on the actual operating conditions.