Coconut oil extraction

• This presentation is an introduction only.• There is more to do.• Oil can be extracted if the coconut is dried then

water added to bring it to about 12 % moisture.• Too much oil is present in fresh coconut for it to

be very good for chicken or pig feed. Squeezing coconut oil will provide families with useful oil and increase value of the copra as a feed.

An offcut of strong plywood works well here

The base is welded steel

Welded steel top

Clean cloth is wrapped around a wad of rehydrated coconut that is about 2 cm thick. Use a frame to get uniform size.

Whole unit sits in basin to collect oil

Plywood boxes – one in use, the other being filled with wads of coconut wrapped in cloth for squeezing, holes drilled in side of box.

Large plastic bowl collecting oil.

Welded steel top

Clean cloth is wrapped around a wad of rehydrated coconut that is about 2 cm thick. Use a frame to get uniform size.

Whole unit sits in basin to collect oil

Blocks to extend reach of jack – care – these could ‘pop out’.

Do we have to use truck jacks and welded steel?

• Can we use levers?• Give me a lever and I can shift the earth!

Use a strong tree – coconut palm, even a mango that doesn’t fruit well!Diameter approximately 30 cm.

Approx 0.5 m.

Two poles, approximately 5 m long

Approx 50 kg downward pressure required here.

Short pole between to two long poles

Rope holds the pressure applied

Pole approx 4.5 m this side of tree

Use a strong tree that you don’t mind hurting with a saw to hold the lever pressure.

Long, strong pole, approx 4.5 m long, provides 30 cm of squeezing action – up and down on short side. Long side moves up and down approximately 1.5 m.

If 50 kg is applied at end of 4.5 m, it will generate sufficient pressure to extract oil.

The tree provides the strength and leverage, without having to go to welding and steel frames.