Screw Press Technology in Fruit Pomace Dewatering

Screw Press Technology in Fruit Pomace Dewatering

The screw press, leveraging its specialized spiral extrusion mechanism, efficiently separates liquids from solids in fruit residues (apple pomace, grape marc, etc.). Renowned for its compact structure, high dewatering efficiency (60-80% moisture reduction), and low energy consumption (30-50% less than traditional methods), this equipment has become indispensable in fruit processing industries. Below is a professional breakdown of screw press workflows for pomace dewatering.

1. Pre-Treatment Phase

• Crushing/Homogenization

Mechanically shred or mix pomace (e.g., apple/grape residues) to achieve uniform particle size (<10 mm), enhancing dewatering efficiency by 25-40%.

• Moisture Conditioning

Adjust pomace moisture to 65-85% (optimal range):
-Dry pomace: Add absorbents (rice husk, cellulose) at 5-10% w/w
-Wet pomace: Pre-drain free liquid via vibrating screens

2. Feeding System

• Utilize automated screw conveyors for continuous, uniform feeding (capacity: 1-10 T/h)

• Prevent blockages and pressure fluctuations with:

-Adjustable feed gate (opening: 15-50 mm)
-Real-time load monitoring sensors

• Operational Parameters:

(1) Screw speed: 5-30 RPM (adjustable via VFD)
(2) Pressure gradient: 0.5-2.0 MPa (axial force: 5-20 kN)
(3) Retention time: 2-8 minutes (varies by pomace type)

• Multi-Stage Compression:

(1) Primary Zone (Low Pressure: 0.5-1.0 MPa):
Removes 70-80% free liquid via gravity drainage

(2) Compression Zone (Medium Pressure: 1.2-1.6 MPa):
Extracts interstitial moisture through tapered screw design

(3) Discharge Zone (High Pressure: 1.8-2.0 MPa):
Expels bound water using conical counterweight

4. Output Management
4.1 Dehydrated Solids (50-70% moisture):

• Bulk density: 450-650 kg/m³

• Applications:

-Animal feed (protein retention >85%)
-Biofuel pellets (calorific value: 15-18 MJ/kg)
-Composting (C/N ratio optimization)

4.2 Liquid Fraction Recovery:

• Juice yield: 20-35% (pH 3.5-4.5)
• Filtration: 80-100 mesh screens for pectin/polyphenol retention
• Reuse potential:

-Food-grade ingredients
-Biogas feedstock (COD: 50-80 g/L)


Technical Advantages of Modern Screw Presses (Pomace Recycling)

• Energy Efficiency: 0.5-1.2 kWh per ton processed
• Durability: 304/316L stainless steel construction with tungsten-carbide screw tips
• Automation: PLC-controlled systems with pressure feedback loops

Contact our engineers today to schedule a free material test and discover how our screw press technology can optimize your operations.
Contact Our Screw Pressing Experts Today!
☎ +86- 17837359619
✉ ztxhmachinery@163.com
[China with Screw Press Solution!]