Analysis of bentonite performance on the quality of refined crude palm oil's color, free fatty acid and carotene: the effect of bentonite concentration and contact time

Abstract

The quality of crude palm oil (CPO) must be maintained since it plays an important role in fulfilling the domestic and global needs (food and non-food). The quality of CPO is determined by the color, Free Fatty Acid (FFA) and carotene. This study was aimed at examining the effect of bentonite concentration (1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) and contact time (15, 30, 45 and 60 min) on the quality of crude palm oil. The refining processes of CPO through degumming, bleaching and distillation were carried out before the analysis on color, FFA and carotene was done. The results showed that the effect of bentonite concentration (1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) experienced the highest percentage in reduction at 3.0% (color 88.7%, FFA 2.99% and carotene 56.37%). Meanwhile, the effect of contact time (15, 30, 45 and 60 min) experienced the highest percentage in reduction at 60 min (color 89.58%, FFA 2.38%, carotene 61.32%). The reduction in the CPO's color, FFA and carotene found in this study indicates that bentonite concentration and contact time are proven to be effective methods for CPO refinery based on the standard set by Malaysian Palm Oil Refiners Association. This study also showed that the removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of FFA and carotene were also affected by contact time and bentonite concentration.

Techno-economics of coconut coir bioadsorbent utilization on free fatty acid level reduction in crude palm oil

“…This showed a constant value of 0.56% for the adsorbent concentration of 0–30%. In addition, Ifa et al. (2021) , analyzed the contact time effect of bentonite on the percentage reduction in FFA levels, which obtained a 2.99% decrease at 60 min.…”

A Comparative Analysis of Activated Carbons from African Teak (IROKO) Wood and Coconut Shell in Palm Oil Bleaching

“…It is very important because it finds application in the food, energy, biofuels, cosmetics and general manufacturing industries [2]. Palm oil is one of the cheapest and most abundant vegetable oil in the world [3]. Palm oil is different from Palm kernel oil (PKO), in that Palm kernel oil (PKO) is gotten from the kernels of the oil Palm fruit.…”

“…The range of application of CPO is limited as a result of its color coupled with the high level of Free Fatty Acids (FFA), metal ions, gums, triglycerides, impurities, and other unsuitable properties it contains [3]. Components such as tocoprenols, tocopherols, carotenes, sterols, phospholipids, phytosterols, and metals account for about 1% of CPO [9].…”

“…The reddish color is due to color pigments (carotenoids) in addition to tocoprenols, tocopherols, and sterols, while the high fat content is due to triglycerides, diglycerides and fatty acids it has [7]. This led to the need to refine CPO to make it clearer in color and reduce its fat content which in turn would increase its area of application and acceptance by consumers [3].…”

“…A little dose of the acids may pass into the oil and cause liver and stomach disorders when consumed. Also, spent Fuller's earth causes environmental pollution if not properly taken care of [3]. The imported bentonite clay is expensive and requires extra cost for environmental neutralization after use [16].…”