CNSL Processing System – From Cashew Shells to Valuable CNSL
Cashew shells are more than a processing by-product. With the right technology, they can become a valuable industrial resource.
MEKONG – Vietnam Cashew Machine provides integrated CNSL Processing Systems designed to extract Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) from cashew shells and handle the subsequent processing stages efficiently.
Instead of treating each machine as a separate piece of equipment, MEKONG develops a connected processing solution covering shell feeding, oil pressing, crude oil collection and filtration, CNSL cooking, transfer and storage.
This integrated approach helps cashew processors turn shell by-products into a new value stream while building a more complete and efficient cashew processing operation.
From Cashew Shell to CNSL – One Integrated Processing Flow
The CNSL processing line is designed around a continuous material flow:
Cashew Shells → Feeding & Storage → CNSL Oil Pressing → Crude CNSL Collection → Filtration → CNSL Cooking → Transfer & Storage
Depending on the project requirements, additional CNSL processing equipment can also be integrated into the plant.
01. Cashew Shell Feeding & Pressing
Where CNSL extraction begins
Cashew shells are first transferred through the feeding and conveying system to the oil pressing section.
The system can incorporate input hoppers, screw conveyors, storage silos and sharing hoppers to maintain a stable supply of cashew shells to multiple pressing machines.
The CNSL oil pressing machine uses a screw-pressing principle to mechanically extract crude CNSL from cashew shells.
For the project configuration shown here, each oil pressing machine is designed for approximately 1.5–1.9 tons of cashew shells per hour.
02. Two Outputs from One Processing Stage
Oil pressing separates the cashew shell material into two streams:
Crude CNSL – collected for further filtration and processing.
Pressed cashew shell cake – discharged and transferred from the pressing section through the conveying system.
This makes the pressing section not simply an individual machine, but a key part of an integrated material-handling and CNSL recovery process.
The project configuration includes delivery screw conveyors, bucket conveyors and shell-cake storage silos for downstream material handling
03. Crude CNSL Filtration
From extracted oil to cleaner CNSL
CNSL extracted directly from cashew shells contains residues and impurities that need to be separated before subsequent processing.
The Raw Oil Filtering System therefore forms the next stage of the processing line.
Depending on the plant configuration, the system can include:
Storage Tank → Transfer Tank → Centrifugal Separation → Intermediate Storage
The project shown incorporates storage tanks, transfer tanks and centrifugal machines for crude CNSL handling and separation.
The storage system is designed to manage CNSL at different stages, including oil after pressing, after centrifugation, after cooking and during cooling
04. CNSL Cooking System
Controlled processing for the next stage
After filtration, CNSL can be transferred to the CNSL Cooking System for further processing.
For the project configuration shown, the cooking system has a volume of approximately 10 m³ per batch, with each batch taking approximately 4–6 hours.
The system includes a shell feeder, kettle cooker, 5,000-liter storage tank, chimney and dust & smoke removal system. Cashew shells or wood can be used as fuel according to the specified configuration.
This arrangement allows the processing plant to integrate the cooking stage directly with the upstream CNSL extraction and filtration sections.
05. CNSL Transfer & Storage
The final handling section connects the different stages of CNSL processing through storage tanks, piping and pumps.
For larger industrial projects, storage capacity can be engineered according to the required production flow. The referenced plant configuration includes 100 m³ CNSL storage tanks, together with piping and pumping equipment.
This integrated arrangement helps create a more organized flow from crude CNSL extraction through subsequent processing and final storage.
Built for Different CNSL Processing Requirements
There is no single processing configuration suitable for every factory.
Plant capacity, available space, shell supply, required processing stages and production targets can differ significantly from one project to another.
MEKONG can therefore develop the CNSL processing system around the customer’s actual production requirements — from the oil pressing section to a more integrated processing solution.
The referenced industrial project was designed for an overall input capacity of 225 tons of cashew shells per day, with a specified CNSL output capacity of 45 tons per day.
From individual equipment to integrated CNSL processing systems, MEKONG provides solutions designed around your factory.
Why Choose MEKONG for CNSL Processing?
MEKONG combines cashew-processing experience with machinery manufacturing and plant integration to provide customers with more than individual equipment.
Our CNSL solutions can integrate material feeding, conveying, oil pressing, crude oil handling, filtration, cooking, pumping and storage into one coordinated processing system.
Equipment configuration and plant layout can be developed according to the customer’s capacity and factory conditions.
Made in Vietnam. Engineered for the global cashew industry.
Looking to Turn Cashew Shells into a New Value Stream?
Whether you are planning a new cashew processing factory, expanding an existing plant or looking for a solution to recover CNSL from cashew shells, MEKONG can develop a system based on your production requirements.
Contact MEKONG – Vietnam Cashew Machine for technical consultation, plant configuration and quotation.
Tell us your required input capacity, available factory area and processing requirements — our team will propose a suitable CNSL processing solution.
