Bühler Launches New Flaker for More Efficient Oilseed Processing

Oilseed processors could be looking to equipment upgrades for a combination of higher uptime, lower maintenance demands and more efficient extraction, with Bühler’s latest flaker system targeting these priorities.

The Swiss technology group has launched the OLFC, a new flaker system designed for continuous oilseed processing. The machine processes cracked seeds such as soybean, canola and sunflower into thin flakes before oil extraction. Bühler announced that each OLFC can process up to 500 tonnes per day, while its design reduces vibration by up to 25% compared with previous models.

The equipment also features larger 820 mm rolls and an extended usable diameter, which the company says increases roll service life by 150%. A timing belt reduces energy consumption by up to 4%, while an auxiliary drive allows the rolls to rotate at low speed during servicing. Bühler estimates that saving two hours of downtime can preserve about 41 tonnes of processing capacity per flaker.

“Every major design decision in OLFC was driven by one objective: helping customers maximise uptime,” said Lukas Spannagl, R&D Project Manager Value Nutrition at Bühler.

For ASEAN processors, the technology highlights how equipment design can affect more than maintenance. Flake thickness and consistency influence downstream oil extraction efficiency, making flaker performance relevant to overall plant productivity. Integrated sensors, automation and connected digital services also provide real-time machine data and support earlier maintenance planning.

The OLFC was validated through prototype installations at soybean processing plants in the United States and is now available worldwide.