U.S. oilseed processors look to expand

With growing demand from the feed, food and fuel industries for vegetable oil and meal, US oilseed processors are moving forward with expanded production and greater efficiencies. High demand and high prices are fueling interest in building new processing facilities as well as expanding the capacity of existing facilities. Suppliers of oilseed processing equipment are improving their technology to provide more automated and efficient facilities that produce high yields of oil and quality meal. Oilseeds, which include canola, soy, sunflower, cottonseed, linseed, peanuts, palm and coconut, can be processed in a variety of ways, including using solvent extraction and mechanical extraction. Processing results in oil for human consumption, biodiesel/fuel production, and bran, which is used as high-protein animal and poultry feed. Processing and extraction processes are designed to produce high quality oil with high extraction yields along with high value meal. A wide range of equipment ...