How PLC Temperature Closed-Loop Control Enhances Stability in Edible Oil Pressing Processes

How to Achieve Temperature Closed-Loop Control in the Pressing Stage Using PLC — A Practical Guide for Edible Oil Manufacturers

You're likely familiar with the challenge: even a 3–5°C deviation in pressing temperature can reduce oil yield by up to 7% and degrade key nutrients like tocopherols and phytosterols in rapeseed oil. That’s why modern edible oil plants are turning to PLC-based closed-loop control systems—not just as an upgrade, but as a necessity for consistent quality and operational efficiency.

Why PLCs Are Essential for Precision in Oil Pressing

Unlike traditional manual temperature regulation—which relies on operator experience and periodic checks—a PLC system continuously monitors real-time data from high-precision sensors placed inside the press chamber. With built-in PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) algorithms, it dynamically adjusts heating power and cooling mechanisms to maintain the optimal range of 40–60°C. This ensures that your raw material stays within its ideal thermal window throughout the entire pressing cycle.

For example, one of our clients in India reported a 92% reduction in batch-to-batch variability after implementing this solution. Their average oil extraction rate increased from 38% to 42%, while oxidative stability improved significantly—validated by lab tests showing lower free fatty acid levels (<0.5%) across all production runs.

From Trial-and-Error to Predictive Stability

Manual adjustments often lead to overshoots or undershoots—especially during seasonal changes or when switching between different batches of rapeseed. In contrast, a well-programmed PLC system learns from historical patterns and adapts automatically. It doesn’t just react—it anticipates.

Our engineers recommend starting with a 3-step calibration process:

1. Set baseline parameters based on your specific feedstock moisture content and pressure settings.
2. Run a 7-day test period with daily performance logs.
3. Refine PID values using live feedback from both output quality and energy consumption metrics.

This approach helped a Turkish manufacturer cut energy costs by 14% over three months while improving product consistency—proving that smart automation isn’t just about precision, but also sustainability.

Daily Maintenance Checklist & Troubleshooting Flowchart

To keep your system running smoothly, create a simple checklist:

• Check sensor calibration weekly (±0.5°C tolerance).
• Inspect heating elements monthly for wear.
• Review log files for anomalies every 2 weeks.

We’ve developed a printable PDF troubleshooting flowchart that helps your team resolve common issues—from sensor drift to actuator failure—in under 15 minutes. Download it now to streamline your maintenance routine.

Whether you’re scaling up production or optimizing existing lines, integrating PLC-based temperature control is no longer optional—it’s how top-tier manufacturers ensure stable yields, superior taste profiles, and long-term profitability.