What is the Sludge Treatment Process in a Large Palm Oil Mill?

In a large palm oil mill, true efficiency is achieved when nothing is wasted. An advanced sludge treatment process is the hallmark of a top palm oil mill, creating a closed-loop system that continuously recovers valuable oil. This isn't merely about waste management; it also delivers a clear and compelling return on investment by minimizing loss and boosting your final yield.

Large palm oil mill

With extensive experience in the design and implementation of palm oil processing systems, Henan Glory Oils & Fats Engineering Co., Ltd. has perfected an efficient sludge treatment process. Next, we will introduce you to the specific sludge treatment process in large palm oil mills.

The sludge treatment journey begins after the palm fruit is digested and pressed. The resulting crude palm oil flows through a series of oil clarification tanks. The clear oil in the oil clarification tanks first passes through a vibrating screen to remove some impurities before entering large vertical clarification tanks. Finally, the sludge at the bottom of the oil clarification tanks and large vertical oil clarification tanks is regularly transported to a dedicated sludge oil pit for recycling.

Large vertical oil clarification tanks

Additionally, the sludge oil from the large vertical oil clarification tanks will be collected in the sludge oil tank and then heated with direct steam, which helps increase its fluidity for subsequent processing. The heated sludge oil enters the first-stage oil cyclone, where hot water is added to separate the clean oil. The remaining sludge oil enters the desanding tank, where it is further separated by bottom steam heating before entering the second-stage oil cyclone for further separation. The mixture is then transferred to a three-phase decanter centrifuge. The oil, water, and sludge produced by the three-phase decanter centrifuge are collected in a mixing tank below, diluted with water, and then recycled into the sludge oil pit.

This leads to the final recovery stage. The sludge oil pit in a large palm oil mill has two sedimentation tanks. The sludge oil overflows into a large tank equipped with a heating coil. The upper layer is used to discharge the final effluent, while the lower layer is used to discharge the sludge oil. The final sludge oil is then pumped into the oil clarification tanks for recirculation. This continuous cycle minimizes oil loss.

The sludge oil pit in a large palm oil mill

In conclusion, by implementing a closed-loop process for sludge treatment, you can not only minimize oil losses and maximize yields, but also create a more sustainable and efficient large palm oil mill. If you are looking to enhance the efficiency and profitability of your large palm oil mill, our sludge treatment process is a proven solution. Please feel free to contact us for a detailed consultation.