Productive Efficiency of Decanters with Short and Variable Dynamic Pressure Cones

This paper presents the results of experimental trials carried out on third-generation, variable dynamic pressure cone decanters to assess machine performance and adjust the process parameters for optimum extraction yield. The results obtained led to the following conclusions: the regulation of the differential velocity screw/bowl allows a better performance of the decanter at low dilutions of the olive paste; it is possible to obtain high efficiency at a low dilution of the olive paste achieving a higher minor compounds content and the more advanced system of regulation leads to better results according to the variations of the ratio between liquid and solid phases, thus optimising operational performances in relation to the rheological features of olive pastes. The results indicate the potential for the optimisation of oil extraction efficiency from pastes obtained with a more precise choice of solid particle dimensions during the crushing phase. © 2003 Silsoe Research Institute. All rights reserved. Published by Elsevier Ltd.