Get familiar with crude palm oil processing and extraction, focusing on agelong traditional or local, and modern methods.
Crude palm oil processing and extraction are achieved by both traditional and modern methods to produce the bright red palm fruit oil, after which it is processed into other palm crude derivatives.
In my local community in Nigeria, we smallholder farmers use the agelong traditional methods that require manpower, while large-scale palm fruit oil production requires sophisticated modern machinery.
In this article, I will cover my firsthand experience of everything there is in red crude palm oil processing and extraction in both local and modern methods and how they affect the quality and sustainability of palm oil.
Related: What is Palm Oil?
Key Takeaways
- Crude palm oil processing and extraction involve traditional local methods and modern techniques.
- Local methods of palm fruit oil processing and extraction are labor-intensive and time-consuming but preserve traditional knowledge.
- Local processing of crude palm oil involves steps such as harvesting, stripping, threshing, steaming, milling, pressing, clarification, and storage.
- Advantages of modern methods of processing palm fruit oil include higher efficiency, improved quality, consistency, speed, sustainability, labor reduction, and safety, but come with high initial investment and complexity.
Related: Benefits of Palm Oil
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What is Crude Palm Oil also Called Palm Fruit Oil?
- What is Crude Palm Oil Processing and Extraction?
- Local Method of Palm Fruit Oil Processing and Extraction
- Advantages of the Local Processing and Extraction of Palm Fruit Oil
- Disadvantages of the Local Processing and Extraction of Palm Fruit Oil
- The Modern Method of Palm Fruit Oil Processing and Extraction
- Advantages of the Modern Method of Processing and Extraction of Crude Palm Oil
- Disadvantages of the Modern Method of Processing and Extraction of Crude Palm Oil
- Solvent Extraction of Crude Palm Oil
- Advantages of the Solvent Extraction of Crude Palm Oil
- Disadvantages of the Solvent Extraction of Palm Fruit Oil
- Factors Affecting Palm Oil Quality
- Frequently Asked Questions on the Processing and Extraction of Crude Palm Oil
- Final Word from PalmOil Pathway
What is Crude Palm Oil also Called Palm Fruit Oil?
Crude palm oil, often referred to as palm fruit oil, is the unrefined oil extracted from the flesh of the oil palm fruit.
This oil is characterized by its reddish-orange color, which comes from its high beta-carotene content.
As a staple in cooking and food processing, crude palm oil is prized for its stability and long shelf life.
Its distinct properties and versatility make it a valuable ingredient in various products, from edible oils to cosmetics and biofuels.
Related: Oil Palm Fruits: Everything to Know
What is Crude Palm Oil Processing and Extraction?
Palm fruit oil processing and extraction are the methods used to obtain oil from the fruit of the oil palm tree which begins with harvesting of the fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) of the oil palm tree.
The bunches are left for a few days for the stalks to weaken to release the strong grips on the fruits.
They can also be steamed or sterilized to weaken the fruit attachments on the stalks before other processes are commenced.
The whole process depends on whether the traditional local or modern methods are used.
Related: Palm Fruit Oil vs Palm Oil (Olein)
Let’s take a closer look:
Local Method of Palm Fruit Oil Processing and Extraction
The local method of processing crude palm oil is a traditional and sustainable way of producing palm oil in rural areas – my community in Nigeria.
Although it is labor-intensive and requires more time and effort compared to modern processing methods, it is still widely used by small-scale farmers and millers who do not have access to modern equipment.
The processing of palm oil involves several steps, including:
- Harvesting
- Stripping/cutting the spikelets
- Threshing
- Steaming
- Pounding/milling
- Second threshing
- Pressing
- Clarification/filtering
- Storage
Local Method of Harvesting Palm Fruit Bunches
The first step in the local method of processing and extracting palm fruit oil is harvesting the ripe fresh fruit bunches.
The fruits are harvested by hand for short palm trees or with a special rope used by South Eastern Nigerians to climb the tall palm trees to cut the bunches down (see photo).
The bunches are transported by – wheelbarrow or on the head to the processing site which is usually a designated area around the home or to a locally constructed mill.
Related: Is Palm Oil Bad for You?
Stripping/Cutting of the Spikelets from the Stalk
In the local crude palm oil processing and extraction, the palm fruits are accessed by cutting or stripping the stalk of the spikelets which are attached to the stalks so the fruits can be easily removed.
This is achieved with a sharp matchet, with the bunch held vertically with the head of the stalk upwards and cutting from the base where the spikelets start and work downwards.
When all the spikelets are removed, what remains would be a fibrous stalk that is also useful along the palm oil value chain.
After the spikelets are cut, they are spread and covered and left to sit for a few days usually 5 to 7 days so the fruits can be easily removed from the spikelets.
Related: Hydrogenated Palm Oil and the Process
Local Method of Threshing Husks from the Palm Fruit Spikelets
Threshing is the separation of the fruits from the spikelets which is now easy after the waiting period.
This is achieved either by picking the fruits one by one or by hitting them with a stick to remove them from the spikes.
When the fruits are separated from the spikes, some other smaller residues must also be removed called husks.
This is done by throwing the fruits over a flatbed with tiny holes enough for the husks to pass through while the heavier fruits are collected at the other end.
Related: Palm Oil in the Making of Soaps
Local Method of Steaming/Sterilizing the Palm Fruits
Yes! The palm fruits are transferred to a large drum-pot filled with water halfway with a massive fire underneath and steamed for 2 hours.
This process helps to break down the oil-bearing cells in the fruit, making it easier to extract the oil later on and also to separate the pulps and the kernel.
Local Milling of Palm Fruits
Milling is a very important step in local or traditional crude palm oil processing and extraction.
Milling is a step to mash the fruits into pulp either by pounding as in Nigeria or with locally constructed machinery called a miller.
While there are many methods to do this, we use a locally constructed miller that is powered by a diesel generator with a motor that is connected to the miller drum with a belt.
Inside the thick drum are a combination of turning blades and blunt edges that go in opposite directions to rob the soft palm fruits together crushing the mesocarp to free the pulp containing the crude.
In my community, the steamed fruits are transferred into a huge wooden mortar and pounded repeatedly until completely mashed.
Because the pulp is slippery as a result of the oil content, special sands are added to introduce friction so the entire content can be properly milled.
Another way to get this done is by a miller which works by robbing the fruits together in a tight space to extract the pulp and kernels.
Another method used by people who don’t have a locally constructed miller to extract crude palm oil is the marching method.
In this method, after the palm fruits are steamed, they are transferred into a big pit specially prepared for milling by marching.
Feet is used to match the soft palm fruits until the mesocarps are completely milled resulting in the fiber-pulp-palm-crude mixture ready to be pressed.
Local Extraction of Palm Fruit Oil
The fiber and the pulp are transferred into a large porous bag with the open end tied to prevent the contents from escaping during pressure.
The bag is then placed in a hydraulic press or locally improvised presser. The idea it to add pressure to the porous bag to release the pulpy liquid in the fiber which also contains the long-awaited oil.
While the pressing doesn’t get all the pulp out, it helps to extract quality oil.
However, the leftover in the bag is also put in water to get the remaining oil which settles on top of the water.
The Second Threshing
After milling, what is now staring you in the face is the mashed, brown pulpy, and fibrous content with liquid sipping out.
This is the time to separate the palm kernels. This is done by using a special tool to pick the fibers which also contain the pulp out.
When the kernels are separated, the fiber and the pulp are ready to be pressed for the extraction of the crude palm oil.
Clarification/Filtering
In the local palm fruit oil processing and extraction, clarification is an important step to ensure oil purity.
This involves settling the extracted palm fruit oil to allow impurities such as water, solid residues, and fibers to separate and settle at the bottom.
The clearer, bright-red, and clearer palm fruit oil is then filtered through fine mesh or cloth to remove remaining impurities, enhancing its clarity and quality for further processing or direct use.
Storage of Palm fruit Oil after Extraction
Once the crude palm oil has been extracted, it is stored in barrels or other containers for further processing or direct usage.
The red crude palm oil can be stored for years without spoilage.
Related: Impacts of Palm Oil Deforestation
Advantages of the Local Processing and Extraction of Palm Fruit Oil
Local processing and extraction methods of crude palm oil, despite their challenges, offer several distinct advantages that contribute to the sustainability and livelihoods of communities involved in palm oil production.
1. Preservation of Traditional Knowledge and Practices: Local processing and extraction of the red palm fruit oil preserves traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage and supports local livelihoods through palm oil production.
2. Support for Small-Scale Producers: Local extraction empowers small-scale producers in the palm oil value chain, operating within communities to improve local economies and support rural families.
3. Reduced Environmental Footprint: Local processing methods have a lower environmental impact than large-scale operations. They use organic waste for mulching or composting, reducing waste and enhancing soil fertility.
4. Beneficial to Biodiversity: Small-scale operations also employ sustainable practices like intercropping and agroforestry, benefiting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability: Local processors adapt methods to local conditions with flexibility for the timely switch to market demand or environmental changes.
6. Application of Traditional Knowledge: Local processing and extraction of crude palm oil encourages innovation by integrating traditional knowledge with new techniques, improving efficiency and product quality.
Disadvantages of the Local Processing and Extraction of Palm Fruit Oil
While local processing and extraction of crude palm oil methods have been the backbone of palm oil production for generations, they come with a set of challenges and disadvantages.
Understanding these drawbacks helps to address the inefficiencies and environmental impacts associated with local palm oil production.
1. Inefficiency in Oil Extraction: Local processing methods use manual labor and basic tools, resulting in lower extraction efficiency and significant oil losses.
2. Poor Oil Yield: Traditional techniques fail to fully extract oil, reducing overall yield and posing a major drawback for small-scale producers who need to maximize output for economic viability.
3. Inconsistent Quality: A major disadvantage of local palm oil processing is inconsistent quality due to the lack of standardized procedures and quality control. These variations in purity, color, and flavor reduce marketability, making it less competitive than oil from modern industrial methods.
4. Environmental Impact: Local palm fruit oil extraction harms the environment through open burning, causing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Unregulated disposal of palm oil mill effluent (POME) leads to water and soil contamination, while unsustainable practices exacerbate environmental degradation.
5. Labor-Intensive and Time-Consuming: Local palm fruit oil processing is labor-intensive and time-consuming, involving manual harvesting, fruit stripping, and oil extraction. This limits production scalability and poses health risks to workers exposed to hazardous conditions without adequate protective measures.
6. Limited Access to Technology and Resources: Small-scale local producers often lack access to advanced technology and resources due to high costs and limited technical knowledge. This technological gap hampers their efficiency, quality, and ability to compete with large-scale producers, restricting growth opportunities.
7. Economic Constraints: Local palm oil producers face economic constraints due to lower yields and inconsistent oil quality, reducing income. Fluctuating global market prices further threaten the financial stability of small-scale producers, who cannot buffer against such volatility.
The Modern Method of Palm Fruit Oil Processing and Extraction
Technological advancements in the palm oil industry have modernized the processes of producing crude palm oil starting from planting to harvesting and down to refining.
The stages in the modern processing and extraction of crude palm oil are the same in the traditional method.
The only difference is that the modern method is automated or semi-automated.
Let’s take a closer look:
Modern Method for Harvesting Fresh Fruit Bunches from Palm Trees
In the modern processing of crude palm oil, harvesting is done with special equipment – a long pole with moving blades or sickle attached at the end that cuts the bunch’s neck without much effort from the operator.
The length of the harvester can be extended up to 12 feet for taller palm trees.
It is powered by a petrol engine at the base with buttons at the disposal of the operator.
Once the fruit has been harvested, it is transported to the processing plant with a bucketed tractor where it awaits the next process.
Modern Method of Sterilizing Fresh Fruit Bunches Before Oil Plam Extraction
After harvesting, palm fruit oil is sterilized using a vertical sterilizer that employs steam and water.
The process begins by feeding fruit bunches through an inlet with the blowdown and bleed-off valves closed, while the water valve is opened.
This allows water to enter the sterilizer, displacing the air and steam inside.
This method ensures the fruits are adequately sterilized for easier digestion and higher-quality oil extraction.
The idea is to heat the fresh fruit bunches to a high temperature to kill any bacteria and enzymes that may affect the quality of the oil.
Modern Threshing Machine for Crude Palm Oil Extraction
The palm fruit thresher machine features a revolving drum that collects the bunches and tosses them in a centrifugal, rotational movement, effectively separating the fruits from the bunches.
Modern Digesting Machine in Crude Palm Oil Extraction
The digestion process in palm fruit oil extraction is achieved by feeding the threshed palm fruits into a digester with rotating arms that crush and break down the pulp (mesocarp), releasing trapped oil.
The pulp is steamed, in combination with vigorous stirring to stimulate uniformity and the release of the oil and it is ready for pressing.
Palm Fruit Oil Extraction/Pressing
After digestion, oil extraction from fresh fruit bunches involves mechanical pressing or centrifugation.
The heated and softened pulp is fed into a screw press, where high pressure squeezes out the crude palm oil.
Alternatively, centrifugation separates the oil from the pulp using rapid spinning, exploiting density differences.
After pressing out the crude palm oil, the fiber and kernels are further put into water and decanted to remove the remaining oil before threshing out the kernels from the fiber.
Both methods ensure efficient separation of oil from the fibrous material and water.
Clarification of Extracted Palm Fruit Oil
Once the oil has been extracted, it is sent to a clarification tank where any impurities are removed.
This is done using centrifuges or separation tanks, which separate the oil from any water or solids that may be present.
Storage of Freshly Extracted Crude Palm Oil
After extraction, clarified crude palm oil is stored in large tanks to allow any remaining impurities to settle.
This ensures the oil is stable and maintains its quality. Once settled, the oil is transferred into appropriate containers for packaging.
These containers, often drums or large plastic vessels, are designed to protect the oil from contamination and oxidation.
The packaged oil is then either sold as crude palm oil or sent for further refining, depending on its intended use.
Proper storage and packaging are important to preserving the oil’s quality and extending its shelf life.
Advantages of the Modern Method of Processing and Extraction of Crude Palm Oil
1. Higher Efficiency: Modern methods, including mechanical pressing and solvent extraction, maximize oil yield from the fruit, ensuring minimal waste.
2. Improved Quality: Advanced techniques in sterilization, digestion, and extraction lead to higher-quality crude palm oil with fewer impurities.
3. Consistency: Automation and precise control over processing parameters ensure consistent oil quality and characteristics.
4. Speed: Modern equipment and processes significantly reduce the time required for extraction and processing, increasing throughput.
5. Sustainability: Modern methods often incorporate sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and efficient resource management, reducing the environmental impact.
6. Labor Reduction: Automation reduces the need for manual labor, decreasing labor costs and mitigating risks associated with labor-intensive processes.
7. Safety: Improved machinery and safety protocols minimize the risk of accidents and enhance the overall safety of the processing environment.
Disadvantages of the Modern Method of Processing and Extraction of Crude Palm Oil
1. High Initial Investment: The setup cost for modern processing facilities, including advanced machinery and infrastructure, can be substantial.
2. Complexity: Modern methods require specialized knowledge and technical expertise to operate and maintain advanced equipment.
3. Energy Consumption: Some modern techniques, especially those involving mechanical and thermal processes, can be energy-intensive, potentially increasing operational costs.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Modern processing methods must adhere to strict regulatory standards, which can be complex and costly to maintain.
5. Maintenance and Repairs: Advanced machinery requires regular maintenance and can be costly to repair, leading to potential downtime and increased operational expenses.
Solvent Extraction of Crude Palm Oil
Solvent extraction is a technique used to separate a particular compound from a mixture based on the solubility of the compound in a specific solvent.
In the case of palm oil extraction, a solvent such as hexane is often used to dissolve the oil from the fresh fruit bunches.
This method is highly efficient and has been proven to yield a higher quantity of oil compared to other conventional methods.
The process of solvent extraction begins by first crushing the fresh fruit bunches to release the oil.
The crushed fruit is then subjected to a series of treatments to remove impurities and moisture.
Once the oil is separated from the other components of the fruit, it is mixed with the solvent and heated to facilitate the dissolution of the oil.
The mixture is then filtered to remove any remaining solids and the solvent is then evaporated to leave behind pure crude oil palm.
Advantages of the Solvent Extraction of Crude Palm Oil
1. Higher Oil Yield: One of the major advantages of solvent extraction is that it allows for a higher oil yield compared to traditional methods such as mechanical press.
2. Faster: It is also a faster process, which makes it more efficient for large-scale palm oil production.
3. Preservation of Quality and Flavour: It also helps to preserve the quality and flavour of crude palm oil by minimizing oxidation and the formation of free fatty acids.
Disadvantages of the Solvent Extraction of Palm Fruit Oil
1. Negative Environmental Impact: One of the main concerns with this method is the potential environmental impact of using chemical solvents such as hexane.
2. A Must for Proper Safety Measures: Proper safety measures must be in place to ensure that the solvent is handled and disposed of properly to prevent any harm to the environment.
Factors Affecting Palm Oil Quality
The quality of crude palm oil is affected by many factors, including the variety of oil palm, the growing conditions, and the processing methods used, but here are some of the key factors:
1. Fruit Ripeness
The ripeness of the palm fruit significantly influences oil quality. Over-ripe or under-ripe fruits can result in lower oil yields and produce oil with inferior characteristics, including higher free fatty acids and off-flavors, compromising the overall quality of crude palm oil.
2. Harvesting and Transportation
Rough handling or delays during harvesting and transportation can cause physical damage to the fruits and initiate premature oil degradation.
This results in increased free fatty acid content, leading to lower-quality crude palm oil and potentially higher refining costs.
3. Processing Conditions
Processing conditions such as sterilization, digestion, and pressing are crucial for oil quality. Improper sterilization can leave harmful enzymes active, while poor digestion or pressing can result in lower yields and oil with higher impurities and off-flavors, affecting overall quality.
4. Storage Conditions
Proper storage conditions are vital for maintaining oil quality. High temperatures or humidity during storage can accelerate oil degradation, leading to rancidity and microbial contamination.
These factors significantly affect the stability, taste, and shelf life of crude palm oil.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Processing and Extraction of Crude Palm Oil
Is palm fruit oil bad for you?
Palm fruit oil is high in saturated fats, which can impact heart health if consumed excessively. Moderation is key to a balanced diet.
What is the modern method of palm oil extraction?
The modern method of palm oil extraction uses mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, and advanced machinery for efficient, high-yield, and consistent oil production.
How is crude palm oil extracted?
Crude palm oil is extracted by sterilizing, digesting, and mechanically pressing or centrifuging the fruit pulp to separate the oil from the solids.
What is the traditional method of oil processing?
The traditional method involves manual threshing, boiling, and mechanical pressing of the fruit pulp to extract crude palm oil, requiring intensive labor and time.
What is the process of oil palm?
The process includes cultivating palm trees, harvesting fruit bunches, sterilizing, threshing, digesting, extracting oil, and refining crude palm oil for various uses.
Final Word from PalmOil Pathway
Crude palm oil processing and extraction can be achieved through both traditional local methods and modern sophisticated techniques.
While traditional methods preserve cultural heritage and support small-scale producers, they also come with inefficiencies and environmental impacts.
On the other hand, modern methods offer higher efficiency, improved quality, and sustainability but require high initial investments and specialized knowledge.
Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, highlighting the need for a balance between tradition and innovation in the palm oil industry to ensure sustainability and quality.
Citations:
- https://palmoilextractionmachine.com/FAQ/palm_oil_extraction_methods_168.html
- https://www.palmoilmillplant.com/faqs/how-palm-oil-extracting-plant-works.html
- https://www.foodunfolded.com/article/palm-oil-how-its-made
- https://www.agrifarming.in/palm-oil-extraction-process-methods-steps
