Optimising the operational parameters of a spherical steriliser for the treatment of oil palm fresh fruit bunch
The extraction of crude palm oil (CPO) begins with the sterilization of oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) in a pressurized, saturated-steam chamber. Sterilization loosens the palm fruits from the stalks and deactivates the free fatty acid (FFA)-producing enzymes. Operational parameters affecting t...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
IOP Publishing
2015
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://eprints.intimal.edu.my/236/ http://eprints.intimal.edu.my/236/1/Optimising%20the%20operational%20parameters%20of%20a%20spherical%20steriliser.pdf |
| Summary: | The extraction of crude palm oil (CPO) begins with the sterilization of oil palm fresh
fruit bunch (FFB) in a pressurized, saturated-steam chamber. Sterilization loosens the palm
fruits from the stalks and deactivates the free fatty acid (FFA)-producing enzymes. Operational
parameters affecting the quality and yield of CPO from an industrial spherical sterilizer are
studied at a palm oil mill. The factors are the ripeness of FFB, the number of days before
treatment of FFB, and the number of pressure peaks applied in the sterilization process. The
results indicate that the degree of ripeness of FFB is the most important parameter affecting the
quality and yield of CPO. Ripeness is graded based on the fruits’ colour and the presence of
loose fruits. Over ripe FFB that goes for the sterilization process has higher FFA content in
CPO and more oil loss to the condensate chamber. The spontaneous reaction on FFB due to
accumulation at the loading ramp also gives rise to higher FFA content. Oil loss to condensate
chamber is reduced using a two-peak sterilization technique for over ripe FFB; the peak refers
to the pressure level of stream after a flushing and refilling cycle. Overall, the generated
solution improves the quality and yield of the palm oil mill. |
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