1. Why choose a turnkey solution?

Choosing QIE Group's turnkey solution for the shea butter processing plant was a wise decision. From a design optimization perspective, our scientific plant layout effectively reduces raw material handling costs and improves production efficiency. Rational space utilization ensures seamless integration of all production stages, minimizing material turnover time and distance.

In terms of technology matching, we ensure that the capacity of each stage of pressing, refining, and filtering is matched to avoid bottlenecks. For example, we precisely configure pressing machines, refining equipment, and filtration devices according to different production scales to ensure the smooth operation of the entire production line.

Establishing a shea butter processing plant involves complex engineering technologies. QIE Group 's turnkey solution ensures seamless integration of every stage, from cleaning to final refining. Our expertise in plant layout effectively reduces material handling costs and ensures perfect matching of capacity across all processes, eliminating production bottlenecks at their source.

2. Core Technology: From Raw Fruit to High-Quality Finished Oil

The core production process of shea butter includes three key stages: pretreatment, core extraction, and refining. In the pretreatment stage, we first use vibrating screens and magnetic separators to clean the raw shea butter, removing impurities such as sand, dust, and metal shavings to protect subsequent equipment and prevent wear and accidents. Next, a toothed roller crusher or hammer crusher is used to dehull and crush the shea butter into fine, uniform particles, increasing the material's surface area and creating conditions for subsequent Oil Extraction. Finally, appropriate roasting is carried out.

In the core extraction stage, we utilize a cold-pressed shea butter extraction production line with a refining system. Low-temperature pressing technology maximizes the preservation of nutrients in shea butter, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and unsaturated fatty acids. Screw presses or hydraulic presses are commonly used equipment. Screw presses offer continuous production and high throughput; hydraulic presses use static pressing at low temperatures, better preserving heat-sensitive nutrients.

The refining system is crucial to ensuring that shea butter meets international export standards. It removes impurities from the oil and performs decolorization and deodorization through a series of processes. For example, plate and frame filters or leaf filters are used to remove fine fruit pulp fragments and other solid impurities; decolorization and deodorization towers are used to decolorize and deodorize, resulting in a clear oil with no off-odors.

3. Core Extraction Technologies: Comparison of Cold Pressing and Leaching Processes

Based on your target market needs, the QIE Group offers two main technology routes:

A. Shea butter cold pressing production line

For the high-end cosmetics market, we recommend the shea butter cold-press extraction line .

• Physical pressing: Extracting oil using pure mechanical pressure through a screw press or hydraulic press.

• Nutrient retention: Processing temperature is strictly controlled within a low temperature range (<60-70°C) to maximize the retention of natural active ingredients and the "clean label" characteristics favored by high-end skincare brands.

B. High-efficiency solvent leaching process

For large-scale industrial production, the QIE Group provides advanced solvent leaching systems.

• Maximizing oil yield: This process can reduce the residual oil content in the meal to ≤0.5% , ensuring that the oil yield reaches its maximum.

• Safety and Economy: The system operates under negative pressure, achieving a solvent recovery rate of ≥99.9% . In the long term, this significantly reduces the cost of fully automated small- to medium-sized shea butter processing plants .

QIE Group offers flexible, customized solutions to meet the diverse needs of its clients. For small-scale startups, we focus on the cost of small-scale automated shea butter processing plants. Small plants typically utilize modularly designed equipment, requiring less floor space and resulting in relatively lower investment costs. Despite their smaller scale, high returns on investment can be achieved through proper process configuration and equipment selection. For example, small screw presses and filtration systems can achieve shea butter extraction and preliminary purification at a lower cost.

For industrial-scale customers, we offer automated control (PLC systems) and high-volume support. Large factories equipped with advanced presses, refining equipment, and automated control systems can achieve large-scale, high-efficiency production. The PLC system can monitor and adjust various parameters in the production process in real time, ensuring consistent product quality.

Key factors influencing costs include the level of automation and material requirements. Higher levels of automation generally result in more expensive equipment, but also improve production efficiency and product quality. Material requirements also affect costs; high-quality stainless steel equipment is more expensive than equipment made of ordinary materials. Please feel free to contact us for specific costs and quotes.

4. Refining System: Aligned with International Standards

To enter the global food or pharmaceutical markets, crude oil must undergo deep refining. The QIE Group's refining system encompasses four core steps:

1. Degumming: Remove phospholipids and other pectin-soluble impurities using a high-speed disc centrifuge.

2. Deacidification: Using physical or chemical methods to reduce the content of free fatty acids (FFA).

3. Decolorization: Pigments are adsorbed in a vacuum decolorization tower, making the oil appear clear and pale yellow.

4. Deodorization: Removes odors and peroxides under high temperature and high vacuum conditions to ensure that the finished oil has a pure flavor and a high smoke point.

5. Specialized design for the African market

QIE Group has designed its equipment specifically for the African market. Regarding environmental adaptability, we have fully considered factors such as local climate and power stability to optimize the equipment. Given the hot climate in Africa, our equipment utilizes high-temperature resistant materials and heat dissipation designs to ensure normal operation in high-temperature environments. Furthermore, to address the unstable power supply situation in Africa, our equipment is equipped with voltage stabilizers and backup power interfaces to guarantee continuous production.

We have successful experience with turnkey shea butter production lines in Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. The successful implementation of these projects demonstrates that our equipment and solutions are well-suited to the needs of the African market.

We have a professional overseas installation team that can complete the installation and commissioning of equipment quickly and efficiently. At the same time, we have established a comprehensive spare parts supply system to ensure that necessary spare parts are available in a timely manner during equipment operation, minimizing downtime.

5. Why are we your ideal partner?

QIE Group is your ideal partner for building a shea butter processing plant. With over 20 years of industry experience and ISO/CE certification, we demonstrate our strength in technology and quality. Our technical team continuously researches and innovates, employing advanced technologies and processes to ensure that our equipment performance and quality are at the forefront of the industry.

In terms of quality control, we have a rigorous testing process. From the procurement of raw materials for the equipment to production and processing, and finally to the delivery of finished products, every step undergoes strict testing and inspection. For example, we conduct precise tests on parameters such as pressure and temperature of the press, and test the filtration accuracy of the filtration equipment to ensure that the equipment meets quality standards.

We are committed to providing 24/7 technical support. Whether you encounter any problems during equipment installation, commissioning, operation, or maintenance, our technical team is always ready to assist you. Choosing QIE Group means you'll receive reliable equipment, excellent service, and long-term technical support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Starting a shea butter processing business is a complex undertaking. Whether you're seeking a cost analysis for a fully automated small-scale shea butter processing plant or require a large-scale industrial-grade plant design and installation solution , the QIE Group is a reliable partner. Our extensive global experience, particularly in the West African market, will ensure your project meets international quality standards from day one.