Small - scale palm oil refining is a crucial process for small and medium - sized palm oil production enterprises. This article offers a comprehensive and practical guide to the entire refining process, from pre - treatment to deodorization, with a focus on key parameters and operation essentials.
The refining process mainly consists of five core steps: pre - treatment, degumming, deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization. Each step has its own set of key parameters, including temperature, pressure, and time, which significantly affect the oil yield and product quality.
Pre - treatment is the first step in palm oil refining. It involves removing impurities such as dirt, water, and non - oil substances from the crude palm oil. For example, the temperature during pre - treatment is usually set between 60 - 70°C. By controlling the temperature within this range, it can effectively separate the impurities from the oil, improving the efficiency of subsequent processes. The pressure is generally maintained at a normal atmospheric pressure, and the time for pre - treatment is about 30 - 60 minutes.
Degumming aims to remove phospholipids and other gummy substances from the oil. The key parameter here is the addition of phosphoric acid or citric acid. When the temperature is around 70 - 80°C and the reaction time is about 20 - 30 minutes, the degumming effect is optimal. A proper degumming process can increase the oil yield by about 1 - 2% and improve the clarity of the oil.
Deacidification is to reduce the free fatty acid content in the palm oil. Usually, a certain amount of alkali solution is added, and the temperature is controlled at 80 - 90°C. The pressure is slightly higher than normal pressure, about 1.1 - 1.2 atmospheres. The reaction time is about 40 - 60 minutes. Through deacidification, the acid value of the palm oil can be reduced to a very low level, improving the stability and quality of the oil.
During decolorization, activated clay or activated carbon is used to adsorb pigments and other impurities in the oil. The temperature is typically set at 100 - 110°C, and the pressure is close to normal pressure. The adsorption time is about 30 - 45 minutes. This step can effectively remove the color of the oil, making it more market - appealing. For instance, the color value of the palm oil can be reduced by about 50 - 60% after proper decolorization.
Deodorization is the final and crucial step to remove unpleasant odors from the palm oil. The temperature is usually as high as 230 - 250°C, and the pressure is extremely low, about 2 - 3 mmHg. The deodorization time is about 60 - 120 minutes. By strictly controlling these parameters, high - quality palm oil with a pure flavor can be obtained.
The PLC intelligent control system plays a vital role in small - scale palm oil refining. It can simplify the production process, prevent operation errors, and ensure the stable operation of equipment. For example, it can accurately control the temperature, pressure, and time in each step, reducing the influence of human factors on the production process. Moreover, it can detect potential equipment failures in advance and send out alarms, which helps to improve production efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
Let's take a typical case. A small - scale palm oil production enterprise had a low oil yield and poor product quality at the beginning. After analyzing the production process, it was found that the temperature and time in the decolorization step were not properly controlled. By adjusting the temperature to 105°C and extending the time to 40 minutes, the oil yield increased by 1.5%, and the color of the oil became more satisfactory. This case shows that reasonable adjustment of key parameters can effectively improve the production efficiency and product quality.
Regular equipment maintenance is essential for the long - term and stable operation of the palm oil refining process. For example, the filters should be cleaned every week, and the pumps should be inspected and lubricated every month. In addition, strict safety regulations should be followed to ensure the safety of operators. For instance, operators should wear protective clothing and follow the correct operation procedures.
If you are a beginner in the palm oil processing industry or a small - scale producer looking to improve your production efficiency and product quality, Penguin Group can provide you with professional palm oil refining equipment and technical support. Our products are designed to meet the needs of small - scale production, with high - quality and reliable performance. Click here to learn more about our products and services.
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