Our device, unique in its kind both in terms of flow rate and type of treatments carried out, if placed between the crusher / stoner and the decanter, helps to make the extraction process continuous, reduces the times of the extraction process, increases the capacity of processing of the crusher, at the same time improves yields and determines an increase in minor compounds.
The high efficiency that characterizes the treatment guarantees sustainable processing and a rapid return on investment, thus improving company competitiveness and increasing profits.
The new process, which we call CavitOil, is based on the hydrodynamic controlled cavitation treatment of the olive paste, tested and developed starting from the studies conducted by the Polytechnic of Bari and the University of Bari Aldo Moro.
The mechanical effect of cavitation breaks the cells passed to the crusher, thus releasing all the oil trapped in them, any minor compound and part of the oil trapped in the stone fragments.
Furthermore, the swirling motions imparted to the pasta by the pressure transients determine the coalescence of the lipid droplets.
The cavitator replaces the kneaders and can process about 7 tons per hour of ground / crushed olives with an electrical consumption per processing cycle of 0.572 kW (equal to 200 kg) or 2.862 kW per ton processed. Each processing cycle lasts less than 2 minutes (about 108 seconds) against the 20/45 minutes required by the kneaders. Given the particular geometry of our machinery, the whole process takes place at room temperature, so there is no need to use thermal energy except for drying the pomace.
The performance of CavitOil was measured in terms of the efficiency of the mechanical action and was evaluated by measuring the concentration of pigments and minor compounds in the product.
The quantitative effects of the plant are determined in terms of higher yields, while the qualitative ones are determined by evaluating the main analytical parameters required by the legislation: the content of polyphenols and tocopherols as well as the concentration of volatile compounds.
The final result is represented both by the ability to extract a greater quantity of extra virgin olive oil, approximately 20% increase or approximately 3 liters more every 15 liters produced by working 100 kg of olives, and to obtain a product richer in biophenols (> 20%), with an organoleptic profile conforming to the varietal characteristics and characterized by greater harmony between the olfactory component and perceptions of spiciness.
CavitOil therefore introduces a radical type of innovation in the processing of olives and oil production as the previous processing process is altered by replacing an entire phase, the kneading, introducing previously non-existent equipment and making the two plant solutions different from each other.
The oil obtained with CavitOil can therefore obtain a premium price on the market because it is endowed with unique and recognizable organoleptic characteristics, different from those offered by competitors who continue to use traditional methods and which the consumer can perceive as a product with a superior quality value.
This will ensure that the greater quantity of extracted oil is accompanied by a higher commercial value due to the increased and recognizable health effects, combined in an organoleptic profile that is more appreciated by consumers.
The pomace, including pits, in addition to traditional uses (biomass for heating or compost) can be used to produce the energy needed for the mill with a high-performance cogeneration system of our production capable of completely reducing energy consumption.
The vegetative and washing waters, if destined for disposal, can be purified at night, when the crusher is not in operation, always using the cavitator: in this way not only will they not have to be sent to specialized disposal centers but also contribute to the daily cleaning of the cavitator and can also be reused in the process or for irrigation purposes.
Furthermore, the system developed by us, working at room temperature, is not affected by climatic changes and therefore also fits perfectly with the progressive advance of the harvest time and the inevitable mitigation of autumn temperatures, allowing the application of low temperatures. during the manufacturing process.
CavitOil has been conceived, designed and manufactured by carefully dosing the power of hydrodynamic cavitation: this will allow maximum modulation of the product quality as the device can be calibrated taking into account the processing needs of each particular cultivar.
