Optimizing Temperature, Pressure, and Time Parameters in Small-Scale Palm Oil Refining for Higher Yield and Quality

QI ' E Group

2025-11-29

Technical knowledge

This article targets small and medium-sized palm oil processing facilities, offering a clear breakdown of the complete refining process—from pre-treatment to deodorization—with precise guidance on setting temperature, pressure, and time parameters to maximize oil yield and product quality. Real-world case studies and common operational challenges are addressed, along with how PLC-based control systems simplify operations, reduce human error, and ensure safety. Practical tips on equipment maintenance and production safety standards are included to support systematic management. Multimedia elements such as charts, flow diagrams, and示范 videos enhance practical learning—ideal for new operators seeking reliable, efficient, and safe palm oil production.

Optimizing Temperature, Pressure & Time Parameters in Small Palm Oil Refining for Higher Yield and Quality

For small to mid-scale palm oil processors, achieving consistent high yield and premium product quality isn’t just about equipment—it’s about mastering the core refining parameters: temperature, pressure, and time at each stage. With the right settings, you can boost extraction efficiency by up to 8–12% while reducing waste and energy consumption.

Key Stages and Their Optimal Settings

Stage	Temp (°C)	Pressure (kPa)	Time (min)	Impact on Yield/Quality
Pre-treatment (Washing/Dewatering)	60–70	Atmospheric	15–20	Reduces moisture, improves clarity
Degumming	80–90	Slight vacuum (-10 kPa)	10–15	Removes phospholipids, boosts stability
Neutralization (Deacidification)	95–105	Atmospheric	20–30	Minimizes soapstock loss, increases FFA reduction
Bleaching	100–110	Vacuum (-50 kPa)	30–45	Removes pigments, reduces peroxide value
Deodorization	230–250	High vacuum (-90 kPa)	60–90	Eliminates odor compounds, stabilizes oil

In real-world operations, many small mills set temperatures too high or times too short—leading to overheating, degradation of tocopherols, and lower final yields. A case study from a Malaysian co-op using Qingdao Penguin Group's PLC-controlled refiners showed a 10% increase in crude oil recovery after optimizing these parameters over three months, with fewer rejects due to off-flavors.

Process flow diagram showing key steps in palm oil refining including pre-treatment, degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization

Why PLC Control Makes a Difference

Manual adjustments are prone to human error—especially when operators switch shifts or lack training. Our clients report that implementing automated PLC systems reduced parameter deviation by 70%, leading to more predictable outcomes. These systems also log data automatically, which helps identify trends like rising viscosity or inconsistent pressure drops that could signal early equipment wear.

Proper maintenance matters just as much as setup. For example, cleaning the bleaching column every 30 days prevents carbon buildup that can reduce adsorption efficiency by up to 25%. Always monitor steam pressure during deodorization—it must stay above 0.8 MPa to ensure effective removal of volatile compounds without damaging the oil.

Tip: Start with one stage—like degumming—optimize its parameters first before moving to others. Track daily output, quality reports, and energy use. This incremental approach builds confidence and avoids overwhelm.

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