What is the process of palm kernel oil extraction?
Palm kernel oil, as one of the world’s important vegetable fats and oils, its extraction process combines physical machinery and chemical refining technology, forming a complete set of industrialized processes. This article is based on modern palm kernel oil production practices, systematic combing of its core process links and technical points. First, raw material pretreatment: from kernel to pure kernel The extraction of palm kernel oil begins with the palm kernel, which is a by-product of palm fruit pressing. The link through the multi-stage separation equipment to achieve complete separation of fiber and kernel: Fiber-Kernel Separation: Vibrating screen and airflow sorting technology are used to separate the fiber material from the palm kernel after pressing. The fiber material can be used as biomass fuel after drying, while the kernel material enters the grading system. Kernel grading: The kernels are graded according to diameter (usually divided into large kernels ≥15mm and small kernels <15mm) using tumbler screen or vibrating screen to ensure the efficiency of subsequent shelling. Separation of kernels and shells: A toothed roller shelling machine is used to separate kernels and shells through mechanical extrusion and shear force. The separated kernel should be further purified by air-selecting column to remove the residual shell debris. Second, kernel processing: the synergistic effect of crushing and stir-frying Pure kernel needs to be physically modified to improve the oil yield: Crushing process: adopt roller crusher to crush kernel to particle size 2-4mm, increase surface area and oil mobility. Steam frying and tempering: High temperature and high humidity treatment (temperature 110-120℃, humidity 8-10%) in the roller fryer to soften the kernel and adjust the moisture content to 6-8% to create the best conditions for pressing. Third, oil extraction by pressing: the core technology of physical extrusion Modern palm kernel oil pressing adopts double screw…