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Physical Refining Is A Modern Alternative For Processing Crude Palm Oil Where
Physical Refining Is A Modern Alternative For Processing Crude Palm Oil Where
the removal of free fatty acid is by distillation at higher temperature and low
vacuum.
This replaces chemical reaction mode using an alkali (caustic soda) in
chemical
refining. The advantages of this physical refining method over the chemical
refining
method of palm oil refinery are;
Better yields
High Quality of fatty acids as by-products
Good oil stability
Simultaneous distillation of fatty acids and deodorization
Lower cost of equipment
Simplicity of operation
Degumming Process
The main objective of this degumming is to remove the unwanted gums,
which will interfere the stability of the oil products in later stage. The
objective is
achieved by treating the crude palm oil (CPO) with the specified quantity of
food
grade acid normally phosphoric or citric acid of certain concentration.
The main component of contained in the gums, which has to be removed, is
phosphatide. It is vital to remove the phosphatides content in the crude oil
because
the presence of this component will impart undesirable flavor and color, and
shorten
the shelf life of oil. The phosphatides emulsifying action is the main culprit
that
causes the oxidative instability of the crude palm oil (CPO).
In this unit operation, the incoming crude palm oil is first heated up to a
temperature of about 90oC - 110oC before it is treated with phosphoric acid.
The
dosage of phosphoric acid normally used is within the range of 0.05 0.1 %
of oil
weight with acid concentration approximately about 80 - 85 %. It is meant to
decompose the non-hydratable phosphatides as well as to coagulate the
phosphatides
making them insoluble and thus easily removed during bleaching.
Excessive amount of phosphoric acid are need to be avoided as it may cause
rise in phosphorus acid and this excessiveness may be difficult to be
removed and
contribute to further refining problems.
Bleaching Process
During bleaching process in palm oil refinery, degummed oil is treated with