Palm kernel oil extraction - The malaysian experience

In direct screw pressing, kernels must undergo seed preparation steps of size reduction, flaking and steam conditioning prior to mechanical extraction. Mechanical wear and tear, maintenance expenses and electricity are the major costs. The direct solvent extraction process is used in larger plants. Production cost depends mainly on solvent loss and energy used in solvent recovery and pelletizing. However, oil recovery is more complete than in screw pressing. A third processing method uses pre-pressing followed by solvent extraction. The choice of process or machinery depends on capital investment, production cost, oil recovery and its value. Whether the higher investment and production cost incurred in solvent extraction is offset by the higher oil extraction rate needs to be determined. Strict quality control right from fruit processing to kernel extraction is necessary to ensure production of good quality oil and by-products. Malaysian palm kernel oil has proven to be of consistent quality, with narrow ranges in chemical characteristics. The palm kernel cake and pellets are important ingredients for animal feed.