Olive oil is one of the most emblematic products of the Mediterranean diet and an essential part of the gastronomy of many cultures around the world. The high demand makes the production and commercialization form an international industry in constant growth and evolution. With this situation, industrial machinery has transformed and optimized all processes in the sector.
Origins and evolution of the olive oil industry
A few years ago, olive oil extraction was carried out by manual methods, such as pressing the olives with stones or using rudimentary screw presses. This process was slow and labor intensive. Over time, more efficient techniques have been developed.
However, the real revolution in the olive oil industry came with the introduction of industrial machinery. Modern machinery has made it possible to automate much of the production process, from harvesting the olives to extracting and packaging the oil. This has increased efficiency and production capacity, enabling companies in the sector to meet the growing global demand for olive oil.
The importance of industrial machinery in olive oil production
Industrial machinery plays a crucial role in the production of high quality olive oil. At Espirales CHIA we have grown hand in hand with companies in the olive oil sector, providing solutions to their needs through tailor-made industrial machinery. The following are the main systems for the olive oil industry.
Olive harvesters
Harvesting olives used to be a manual task that involved shaking the trees and picking up the fallen olives by hand. Today, thanks to machinery such as windrowers, companies pile up solid bulk efficiently and reduce associated costs. In addition, we offer loading shovels as an essential complement to the day-to-day operations of the olive sector.
Conveyor belts for the oil sector
Conveyor belts have optimized the process of transporting solid materials. Thanks to their great capacity to transport goods over long distances. The conveyor belts that we design in Espirales CHIA adapt to the terrain avoiding modifications. Another feature that optimizes the loading and unloading of material is that the belts have hoppers that facilitate this process.
In addition, nowadays it is essential to make use of sustainable industrial machinery. Our team designs ecological conveyor belts, reducing the environmental impact of olive oil production thanks to the dust aspiration system.
Dryer trommel
The trommel drier is used to remove the liquid from a product by applying heat. A stream of hot air flows through the trommel in an isocurrent manner, always in the same direction. We achieve a separation of the solid and the liquid that ends up evaporating due to the heat.
In 2011 Espirales CHIA carried out the manufacturing process of a drying system for olive pits in Chile. You can consult the project in this link.
Olive pitting machines
Olive pitting machines have undoubtedly revolutionized the olive sector. The main function is to separate the pulp from the stone by means of a conical stainless steel rotor and tungsten recharged paddles. By means of the pitting machines we increase the production rate, since they have 75 HP of power with a production of 20,000 kg/h of wet pomace input.
Hoppers for the oil sector
Hoppers are essential for the transfer of bulk solids in the oil sector. The companies manage to stack the raw materials and facilitate the subsequent transfer to conveyor belts or trucks. At Espirales CHIA we adapt to the needs of the industry by manufacturing cylindrical, square or rectangular hoppers.
Technological innovation in olive oil production
As in other sectors, technology continues to evolve, the olive oil industry is no stranger to this trend. At Espirales CHIA we work daily to introduce new technologies in industrial machinery, thus improving the quality and efficiency of olive oil production.