Reactivation of used bentonite (Spent Bleaching Earth) and its reuse as adsorbent for CPO (Crude Palm Oil) bleaching process

Abstract

Used bentonite or spent bleaching earth (SBE) is one of agro-industrial solid wastes in palm oil bleaching process. SBE has potential to be reactivated and reuse as adsorbent of crude palm oil (CPO). Reusing reactivated SBE is an effort to utilize waste so that it can increase added value while also preventing environmental damage due to waste accumulation. This study aimed to determine the effect of repeated use of reactivated SBE as adsorbent in the CPO bleaching process. The research methods consisted of 4 stages: characterization, reactivation of SBE and CPO bleaching process, then analysis of bleached oil, and cost analysis of the process. This study used two different types of SBE whose oil content had previously been recovered. Repetitive use of both SBE samples affected the quality of bleached oil. Maximum repetitive use that could be received by using SBE samples A was at fourth level and B was at the second level. Costs analysis of reactivation and two times repeated use of SBE was higher than fresh bleaching earth (FBE) purchase with equivalent amount for bleaching process. However, reactivation and reuse of SBE could increase the added value of the waste and prevent negative impacts on the environment.