Cassava squeezer

Types of cassava squeezer

Using a cassava squeezer is an important step in extracting liquid from the starch-rich tuber. Several types of squeezers are available on the market for industrial-scale production of cassava juice, including hydraulic presses, spiral presses, drum presses, and basket presses.

• Hydraulic cassava presses:

Hydraulic cassava presses are industrial machines used to extract juice from grated cassava pulp. It is a common type of pressing machine that uses hydraulic force to extract juice from the pulp efficiently. The design consists of a hydraulic cylinder and a pressing plate. The cassava pulp is placed between the pressing plates. The hydraulic pump then pushes the plates closer together. The applied pressure squeezes the water out of the pulp, resulting in dried residue and the extracted juice.

• Spiral juicers:

Spiral juicers, also known as auger presses, utilize a screw conveyor to compress the cassava pulp. The unpressed cassava pulp is fed into the machine through a hopper. The screw conveyor then moves and compresses the pulp against a perforated cylinder. As the pulp gets compressed, the juice drains through the small holes in the cylinder. The spiral juicer operates at a low speed, which minimizes foam generation. In addition, it yields a large amount of juice while extracting a small amount of pulp fiber.

• Drum presses:

Drum squeezers work similarly to hydraulic presses. However, instead of pressing plates, they use a rotating drum to squeeze the pulp. The cassava pulp is fed into the machine, and the rotating drum compresses the pulp between itself and a flat bed. The compression force then extracts the juice from the pulp.

• Basket presses:

As the names suggest, basket presses use a basket and a perforated plate to extract juice from cassava pulp. The pressed plate compresses the pulp inside the basket. Aside from being a primary juicer, basket presses are also used as secondary juicers. This means they further compress the cassava residue and extract any remaining juice in the material after being preliminarily juiced by another pressing method.

Specification and Maintenance

The specifications of cassava squeezers differ based on the model. Key specifications include size, processing capacity, material, pressure or squeezing mechanism, power source, and efficiency.

• Size: The size specifications of cassava squeezer machines available are varied. Some machines measure approximately 1000 x 800 x 1200 mm, while others are larger, up to 2000 mm in length. The sizes determine the space requirement and installation.
• Processing capacity: Some machines process about 300 kg/hour, and others can squeeze 1500kg in an hour, depending on the size and motor power of the machine.
• Material: Cassava squeezer machines are made of different materials, such as stainless steel and food-grade steel. The material indicates durability and resistance to corrosion.
• Pressure or squeezing mechanism: The models available have different pressing mechanisms. Gear press machines have cylinders and gears that crush the cassava to extract the juice. Screw press machines have a spiral that crushes the pulp and extracts the juice. Hydraulic press machines use high-pressure hydraulics that crush the cassava, and the juicer machines have hoppers where the cassava is fed, and rotating blades squeeze out the juice.
• Power source: Some machines have manual power, while others use electricity or hydraulics to operate. Electric motors are about 2hp/1.5kw for some machines and 5hp/3.7kw for others. The power source determines the efficiency and convenience.
• Efficiency: Some machines have an efficiency rating of about 70%, while others have more than 90%. The efficiency indicates the amount of juice extracted compared to the amount of juice that could have been extracted if the cassava had been crushed manually.

Cassava pulverizer machines should be maintained regularly to improve performance and life span. Cleaning is crucial after each use to remove leftover pulp. Using warm water or cleaning detergent can stop bacterial growth.

For the hydraulic press machine to function well, the oil must be changed regularly. The machine should be lubricated frequently to reduce friction. The pressing force must be adjusted according to the cassava type to avoid damages. The moving parts should be inspected often for signs of wear and tear and get repaired promptly.

Scenarios of cassava squeezers

Here are some scenarios where a cassava squeezer plays an important role.

• Extracting toxic starch for safe processing

  Cassava roots contain cyanogenic compounds that release cyanide when exposed to air. A hydraulic squeezer extracts the bitter liquid containing the toxin from the cassava pulp. Subsequently, workers carry out fermentation, detoxification, and protein denaturation of the liquid before processing it into cassava starch.

• Large-scale starch production in industries

  A commercial hydraulic cassava squeezer has a large capacity, enabling the extraction of large volumes of cassava pulp. This high throughput makes it suitable for industrial use, such as mass processing into cassava flour or starch. The efficient extraction and separation provided by hydraulic squeezers support large-scale production to meet high market demands.

• Producing tapioca pearls for the beverage market

  The booming popularity of bubble tea demands a steady supply of tapioca pearls as an essential ingredient. To meet the increasing demand in the beverage market, hydraulic cassava squeezers are employed in the production lines of tapioca pearls. With their ability to efficiently extract the cassava pulp, these machines facilitate the large-scale production of tapioca pearls. The pearls are subsequently processed and used to make bubble tea.

• Food processing industry for gluten-free products

  Hydraulic cassava squeezers play a significant role in the food processing industry by providing an essential raw material for gluten-free products. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and gluten-free products are becoming increasingly popular due to dietary restrictions and health preferences. By extracting cassava flour or starch from the cassava root, hydraulic squeezers serve as the primary source of gluten-free flour or starch.

• Before fermentation in gari production

  A cassava squeezer is needed before fermentation when producing gari. The pressure exerted by the squeezer extracts the water from the cassava mash. This dewatering step creates an ideal environment for fermentation to take place. During fermentation, the mash develops a distinctive flavor and aroma. Subsequently, the fermented mash undergoes roasting to yield the finished gari product.

How to Choose Cassava Squeezers

There are several types of cassava squeezer machines available for industrial or home use. One way to go about things when choosing an item for resale would be to consider how much of the market the device will satisfy. Can a press squeeze enough pulp for the local market to meet demand when it comes to extracting tapioca milk on a daily basis? Exploring the urgent industrial needs for machines capable of producing large volumes of extract would be one way of choosing devices for resale.

Interviews with small cassava farmers could also present opportunities to discover what type of squeezer would be most profitable when stocked. Many farm owners would choose a squeezer based on ease of use and affordable maintenance. Knowing whom the end user will be would make it easier to choose devices to suit distinct end-user needs. Some end users would want a device that uses electricity and some would prefer one that uses manual labor in the form of physical cranking.

Another way to decide which machines to stock would be to assess the harvesting seasons. During the harvesting seasons, there is usually a high demand for squeezer machines. Knowing what time of year it will be is essential when deciding what devices to choose. You may want to place large orders during the pre-harvest season and smaller orders during the harvest because of the high demand for the devices.

When choosing devices to resell, it is also important to consider the varying sizes and models of each machine. Some models are foldable for easy transport and some have wheels for easy movement around a processing facility. Some commercial models are made of stainless steel for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. It would make sense to have a wide variety of styles, materials, and constructions, so that we can cater to a diverse customer base when selling devices at a retail level.

Negotiate bulk pricing with suppliers to determine profit margins from the sale of devices when it comes to choosing them for resale. Measure distances and transportation costs to determine any added fees when placing orders in bulk. If shipping fees are high, it would be better to place smaller orders more frequently, so that the added costs do not drive wholesale prices up significantly.

Cassava squeezer FAQ

Q1. How much squeeze does cassava have?

A1. The amount of liquid extracted from cassava depends mainly on the size and capacity of the industrial or commercial press being used. The design and technology of the press also play a part in how much liquid is extracted. Big presses made for commercial use can sometimes extract between 200 to 500 liters of cassava juice in a single day.

Q2. What are the benefits of a cassava press?

A2. A cassava press (or squeezer) is used to extract the juice from cassava roots. The juice can then be fermented into tapioca (an alcoholic beverage), used in the production of some food items, or discarded as part of the processing of cassava. The main benefits of a cassava press are: Efficient Extraction: A cassava press is designed to extract juice from cassava root efficiently. Multipurpose: Depending on the design, some cassava presses can also extract juice from other starchy roots like sweet potato or yam. Speed: Using a cassava press to extract juice is quicker than manually squeezing or grinding the cassava root. Large Volume: A cassava press can process large volumes of cassava roots and, therefore, produce more juice in a given time.

Q3. What type of material is suitable for a cassava squeezer?

A3. High-strength stainless steel or food-grade polypropylene are two examples of materials that can be used to make a durable and functional cassava squeezer.