Process design in degumming and bleaching of palm oil

Abstract

Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) industry is one of the major contributors to the Malaysia economic growths. The palm oil supply from Malaysia has increased apparently over the last two decades due to vast increase in production. Crude palm oil (CPO) obtained from the mesocarp of palm oil fruit undergoes several stages of refining processes in order to produce refined, bleached palm oil (RBDPO). Currently, in Malaysia, the type of refining used is physical refining. This method involved the processing stages of degumming, bleaching and deodorization. From refiners point of view, degumming and bleaching processes are recognized as critical areas in the palm oil refinery and need to be carefully monitored, because any imperfection during these processes will tremendously affect the later stages of refining processes and finally affect the finished product. These stages are identified as the major contributors to the total operating cost of the plant due to the cost of chemicals (phosphoric acid and bleaching earth) that are being used in these processes. In this research, a process model for degumming and bleaching operation will be designed in order to help the refiners to predict the exact ratio of phosphoric acid and bleaching earth to the crude palm oil. By doing so, we hope to reduce the operating costs and time of the overall palm oil refining process. Therefore at the end of this research, with the ANN model designed, the bleaching and degumming efficiency can be improved thus can help to boost the Malaysian palm oil industry.