Proper Processing of New Crop Soybeans
With harvest season upon us in the United States, it’s essential to recognize the differences between processing new crop and old crop soybeans. Freshly harvested, new crop soybeans typically have higher moisture content because they haven’t had time to fully dry. This means using a dryer before extrusion is necessary to reduce overall moisture content to 9–11% to facilitate accurate processing. Otherwise, elevated moisture levels can make the beans less free flowing during extrusion, blocking your equipment and causing production issues.
Moisture also affects oil yield and cooking consistency, so managing it properly is essential for maintaining product quality and maximizing efficiency. It’s also worth noting that new crop soybeans may have softer hulls, which can influence how they behave during extrusion and oil pressing. Softer beans may require slight adjustments to feed rates or temperature settings to maintain optimal throughput and prevent clogging.
Worn-out parts can also lead to reduced performance, increased risk of equipment damage, and compromised operator safety. Using extruders and oil presses with parts in good condition significantly increases operator safety by:
- Ensuring proper equipment function and minimizing the risk of malfunction
- Reducing the risk of equipment failure and subsequent injury
- Providing a secure and stable operating environment
Regularly inspect and replace worn-out parts to guarantee:
- Precise fit and functionality
- Optimal equipment performance
- Minimized risk of damage or downtime
- Enhanced productivity and efficiency
- Increased operator safety
Contact us to arrange training sessions to ensure your operators are equipped to handle the demands of new crop soybeans. Our experts will provide personalized guidance on optimal equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Training also includes tips on adjusting processing parameters to accommodate seasonal variations in bean texture and moisture, helping your team stay ahead of potential challenges.
Additionally, don’t forget to stock up on essential parts for your Insta-Pro extruders and presses. You’ll be well-prepared to tackle this year’s soybeans and maintain optimal processing performance by prioritizing equipment maintenance, operator training, and timely parts replacement.
