Semi cont deodorization in palm oil production

Deodorization is the next process after bleaching. Here, any unwanted smell and taste are removed from the oils by subjecting them to steam sparging, under a high vacuum and at a high temperature. After this process, RBD palm oil (Refined Bleached and Deodorised) is ready for use in many products. The temperature of the incoming bleached palm oil (CPO) is raised from 120°C to 200°C in a heat exchanger. The temperature and the steam sparging, with a controlled, measured flow of live steam, effectively distills the oil, removing all odour and breaking down the heat sensitive colour pigments. The resulting deodorized oil (now called RBD palm oil) is almost clear and tasteless. A by product of the process is PFAD (palm fatty acid distillate) which is composed of free fatty acids (81.7%), glycerides (14.4%), squalene (0.8%), vitamin E (0.5%), sterols (0.4%) and other substances (2.2%). PFAD is used in animal feed production and soap manufacture, as well as in the oleochemicals industry. Vitamin E, squalene and phytosterols are value-added products which can be extracted from PFAD for the nutraceutical and cosmetic industries.

KROHNE offers different instruments for flow, temperature, level and pressure measurement. The OPTIBAR PM 3050 pressure transmitter is universally used for general purpose applications, using an analogue 2-wire output and HART® digital communication. The transmitter features a compact stainless steel housing, easy setup options, superb accuracy and rapid response, as well as long term stability. In-built digital compensation ensures accurate pressure measurement despite widely varying process temperatures. Internally located push buttons make it possible to easily set the offset correction, zero point and measuring range for quick start-up. OPTITEMP TCA P10 is an insertion-type thermometer: available with or without a thermowell, the sensor is usually attached with a compression fitting at the tank or the pipe line. Through its modular design it can be equipped with any analogue or digital temperature transmitter. The TT33 transmitter option offers high accuracy and long-term stability, with NFC™ configuration of the transmitter via a portable device such as a smartphone.