What is the unit operation involved in palm oil processing?

Palm oil, a staple commodity in global agriculture, is extracted from the fruits of the oil palm trees (Elaeis guineensis). The processing of palm oil involves a series of unit operation that transform the raw palm fruit bunches into the refined palm oil we know. The unit operation in palm oil processing include harvesting, sterilization, threshing, digestion, pressing, clarification, refining, and fractionation. Here, we delve into the unit operation in palm oil processing.

1. Harvesting:

The first step in palm oil processing is the harvesting of ripe palm fruits from the oil palm trees. The process typically done manually by cutting down the palm fruit bunches or mechanically using harvesting machines to ensure the efficient collection of the palm fruits.

The photo of palm fruits and crude palm oil

2. Sterilization:

After harvesting, the palm fruit bunches are sterilized to prevent enzymatic degradation and microbial contamination. Steam under high pressure is commonly used for sterilization to ensure the quality and safety of the palm oil.

3. Threshing:

Threshing is the process of separating the palm fruits from the bunches. This can be achieved through mechanical means or manual labor to extract the fruits efficiently.

Small scale palm oil processing machine

4. Digesting and Pressing:

The palm fruit is then subjected to a digestion process to break down the pulp and release the oil. After digesting, the palm fruits are pressed to extract the crude palm oil. The screw palm oil press machine provided by Henan Glory Company with high oil rate and low loss.

The screw palm oil press machine provided by Henan Glory Company

5. Clarification:

The crude palm oil undergoes a clarification process to remove impurities and solids. Centrifuges or filter presses are commonly used for this step to ensure the purity of the palm oil.

6. Refining:

Refining is a critical unit operation in palm oil processing that involves further processing the clarified oil to improve its quality. Degumming, deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization are typical refining processes used to enhance the characteristics of the palm oil.

Refining units in palm oil processing machine

7. Fractionation:

Fractionation is the final unit operation in palm oil processing, where the different components of palm oil, such as palm olein and palm stearin, are separated based on their melting points. The temperature used in this process needs to be determined according to the local environment.

The above are all palm oil processing units. Additionally, by-products generated during the process, such as palm kernel, are also processed to produce palm kernel oil, adding value to the overall palm oil industry. Henan Glory Company is a manufacturer with more than ten years of history specializing in the production and processing of palm oil and palm kernel oil press machines.In addition, we can also provide you with equipment customization services. If you need palm oil processing machines, welcome to consult us at any time.