Attaining the winning edge in downstream palm oil processing technologies : Solvent extraction of fibre

Major breakthrough, has been achieved in the extraction of oil from Empty Fruit Bunch & Palm Fibre by using flammable and or non-flamable solvent, which is a revolutionary technology for the Palm Oil Industry in Malaysia, not only to make it energy efficient and friendly, but also to have value addition from thedownstream project.A virtuous cycle of of Palm Oil Mílling & Refining sector is alreadyunderway is likely to continue, driven by the robust performances through the technological innovations,which are truly indispensable. To achieved better recovery of oil from the Palm oil technological innovations have been developed which ill enhance the oil yield l% processed,besides significant reduction in effluent and content in the effluent.The Palm Fruit is fed to a press where fibre along with un- separated shell and kernel is currently fed to the boiler. In this innovative process it is diverted to the slivering process and later sent for oil extraction, The slurry and or EFB fibre, which presently goingthe bio-mass production is also taken for the oil extraction along with fibre to further enhance oil recovery. The specially designed solvent extraction plant using five patented technologies will not only be save but environment friendly, as well. The oil extracted from palm fibre will be rich in Beta Carotene having more than 3000 PPM,which can be further extracted. The oil extracted can be used for Carotene extraction, poultry feed,soap manufacturing or bio- diesel.Since the capital investment can be recovered within the span of two years in the proposal technology, it take economically viable option for Palm Oil Mills to invest this downstream project.The utility required for the project is the exhaust steam from the mill turbine. With out patented technologies, the consumption of the flammable or non-flammable solvent used for extraction will significantly be reduced to less than 2.5 lite/mt. The is fullycontinuous, PLC controlled, consume l9 kW/mt of power and can be accommodated in exiting mill complex.The multi pronged challenge lies in harnessing the talent pool, which would accelerate the growth of this very important area of enhancing sustainability in Oil Palm, through efficient Milling & Refining using innovative cutting edge processing technologies, whichwould give the industry not only the competitive advantage but also ensure cost effective process to produce quality products through environment friendly technologies.