GB691266A - A method of recovering palm oil - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0691266/III/1> Palm oil is obtained from the palm fruit by a combination of steps consisting in dilacerating the pericarp for several minutes at a low or moderate temperature without oil liberation, then causing the oil to diffuse out of the oil-containing cells in a closed vessel by the action of wet steam between about 101 DEG -105 DEG C, thereupon collecting the virgin drain oil and finally recovering the residual free oil contained in the fibrous mass by any suitable known method, such as by washing or centrifugal action. The pericarp is composed of oil-containing cells assembled with one another and with cellulosic fibres by an intercellular cement of pectic character. The latter is softened by saturated steam, particularly at 101 DEG to 105 DEG C, and allows the oil to flow therethrough. The dilaceration of the fruit is carried out in the cold or at a moderate temperature of 20 DEG to 99 DEG C, and serves merely to open the fruit for the subsequent treatment with steam. The latter is effected in a closed vessel, wherein the slashed fruits contained in a basket are subjected to saturated steam at 101 DEG to 105 DEG C. The oil drips freely and is collected at the bottom of the vessel below the basket. The residual free oil retained by the fibrous material may be recovered by water washing or centrifuging. In a suitable plant, a vessel 1, having a perforated base 2 for supporting the charge of fruit, is arranged above a water tank 3 resting on a furnace 4. The temperature reaches about 80 DEG C in the top part of the vessel. A shaft 8, driven by a motor 5, has keyed thereto a 4-arm spider 9 carrying cutting paddles 10 with points 11. The perforated plate 2 carries fixed paddles 12 with points 13 which alternate with the movable paddles 10. The shaft 8 is rotated for a short time to give the fruits superficial kneading without oil liberation. The kneading is now stopped and the vessel closed by a cover 14, the heating of the water being continued. A pressure of 1.2 atmospheres is used, corresponding to wet steam at 105 DEG C. The oil drains through the perforated plate 2 on to an inclined surface 18 and is removed through a duct 19. The residual oil is finally obtained by hot water washing, the water from a heater 21 being supplied to a sprinkling ring 22, after the pressure has been released through cock 17. The shaft 8 is again rotated. The wash water drains through the perforated plate 2 and is drawn off through the cock 23. After boiling and allowing to rest, the supernatant oil is decanted.