The palm oil refining machine is used to convert crude palm oil (CPO) into high-quality edible products suitable for a variety of applications (from cooking to industrial use).
In this guide, we’ll take a complete look at the palm oil refining process, the differences between CPO and refined palm oil, the types of refiners, and the associated costs. Make sure you understand everything and choose the most suitable machine.
Why Crude Palm Oil Needs Refining?
CPO, as extracted, contains several impurities that limit its usability. Typical FFA content ranges from 3-5% but can be higher (up to 8.7% in high FFA crude palm oil), as noted in studies (Physicochemical characteristics of high free fatty acid crude palm oil).
These impurities, including moisture, trace metals, and pigments, can lead to off-flavors, reduced shelf life, and health concerns. Refining addresses these issues by:
Removing FFA to prevent rancidity.
Eliminating gums to improve clarity.
Reducing pigments for a lighter color.
Removing odors for a neutral taste.
This process is crucial for meeting market standards, such as those set by the Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia, which caps FFA at 5% for CPO and less than 0.1% for refined oil.
Crude vs. Refined Palm Oil: What’s the Difference?
Crude palm oil and refined palm oil differ in color, odor, purity, and many other aspects, as shown in the following table:
Feature
Crude Palm Oil (CPO)
Refined Palm Oil (RPO)
Color
Dark red or orange
Light yellow or colorless
Odor
Earthy, strong
Neutral, mild
Purity
Contains free fatty acids, gums, and odor compounds
Free from impurities
Stability
Less stable, prone to oxidation
More stable, longer shelf life
Applications
Not suitable for direct consumption, used in industrial applications
Used in cooking, food, cosmetics, and biofuels
What is the process of palm oil refinery?
Palm oil refining involves several key steps, each designed to remove specific impurities and enhance oil quality. The refining process can be chemical or physical, with variations based on the method.
Degumming Section
This initial step removes phospholipids (gums) by adding hot water or phosphoric acid, hydrating them for separation via centrifugation or filtration.
For palm oil, dry degumming is often used due to low gum content, as noted in scientific reviews.
Deacidification Section
This step removes FFA. In chemical refining, alkali (caustic soda) is added to neutralize FFA, forming soapstock separated by centrifugation. In physical refining, FFA is removed during deodorization via steam distillation under high temperature and vacuum, suitable for oils with high acidity like palm oil.
The choice depends on FFA levels and scale, with physical refining being eco-friendly and preferred for large operations.
Decolorization Section
Also known as bleaching, this removes pigments, residual soaps, and trace metals using bleaching earth or activated clay. The oil is mixed, heated, and filtered to achieve a lighter color, enhancing visual appeal for consumers.
Deodorization Section
This final step removes volatile compounds responsible for odors and flavors through steam distillation at high temperatures (240-260°C) and low pressure. In physical refining, it also removes FFA, resulting in a bland, odorless oil ready for use.
Fractionation Section
An optional step, fractionation separates palm oil into liquid (olein) and solid (stearin) fractions via controlled cooling, crystallization, and filtration. Palm olein is used for cooking, while stearin is used in margarine and shortening, as described in industry guides. (You may also be interested in: Palm kernel oil fractionation plant >>)
Each of these steps is integral to the palm oil refining process, ensuring that the final product meets the high standards required by today's markets.
Henan Huatai Group also offers the palm oil physical refining process. This method uses physical means like steam distillation for refining. It is often preferred for producing natural, food-grade oil.
3 Types of Palm Oil Refining Machines.
Choosing the right palm oil refining machine depends largely on your production needs. Generally, there are three types based on processing capacity:
Type
Capacity (tons/day)
Description
Advantages
Batch Oil Refining
1-20
Processes oil in discrete batches, suitable for small-scale operations.
Cost-effective, flexible, ideal for small producers.
Semi-Continuous Oil Refining Process
20-50
Combines batch and continuous process, balancing efficiency for medium-scale.
More efficient than batch processing; Partially automated, reducing labor costs.
Continuous Oil Refining Process
Over 50
All steps in continuous flow, designed for large-scale, high-efficiency needs.
Fully automated for maximum efficiency; Higher investment but lower long-term operating costs.
How much are palm oil refining machines?
The cost of palm oil refining machines varies widely, influenced by capacity, type, automation level, and manufacturer (Read more: Palm oil processing machine manufacturers >>). Below are estimated price ranges:
Refining Type
Capacity (tons/day)
Estimated Cost (USD)
Batch Refining
1-20 TPD
$20,000 - $50,000
Semi-Continuous
20-50 TPD
$80,000 - $150,000
Continuous Refining
50+ TPD
$200,000 - $500,000
If you need a precise price, please contact Henan Huatai Group. We will ensure that we can tailor a solution to your specific needs. (You may also be interested in: Palm oil processing machine price >>)
Conclusion.
Investing in a palm oil refining machine is essential for producing high-quality palm oil. Whether you are starting a small-scale refinery or expanding an industrial plant, choosing the right equipment can improve efficiency and profitability.
Additionally, when you consider the overall palm oil refinery plant cost, remember that the machine is only part of the investment. Other factors like installation, infrastructure, maintenance, and energy consumption also add to the total cost.
If you are looking for a palm oil refinery plant cost estimate or need expert advice on selecting the best machinery for your business, feel free to reach out to our team!
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