Development of a pre-treatment plant for residues from the Malaysian Palm Oil Industry

Teng, Kek Hup and Robbie, H. and Boerrigter, Harold (2011) Development of a pre-treatment plant for residues from the Malaysian Palm Oil Industry. Palm oil engineering bulletin (99). pp. 49-58. ISSN 1511-9734

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Abstract

In the overall chain for the palm oil production, large quantities of biomass by-products are generated, up to almost five times the oil production (on dry weight). Most of the materials are generated in Malaysia and Indonesia, accounting for 87% of world’s palm oil production. The use of these residues as by-products for materials, energy, green chemicals or biofuels offers perspectives for development of an economic and environmental sustainable food oil production chain that fits well in the development of a bio-based economy. This requires that any biomass extraction from oil palm plantations does not negatively affect the nutrient balance and soil organic matter content. The present work describes the development of a 5 t hr⁻¹ pre-treatment plant (PTP) line-up for these materials to arrive at a standardised or commodity product that can easily be handled in road transport and intermediate storage. Results are included for the pre-treatment of (i) empty fruit bunch from the palm oil mill, (ii) both fresh and (iii) plantation dried oil palm fronds, and (iv) oil palm trunks from replanting. A full PTP suitable for processing of all materials includes a two-stage size reduction, belt dryer (suitable for using pre-heated air), and a cubing machine to produce compacted cubes. The technology selection and equipment sizing were fully supported by results of an extensive field test programme carried out in Malaysia with local biomass and with commercially available equipment. The developed PTP line- up is generic with few equipment for all biomass materials assessed (expect for the initial size reduction steps). As all required technologies are commercially available, the PTP can be installed commercially when a project opportunity arises.

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Teng, Kek Hup and Robbie, H. and Boerrigter, Harold
Title:	Development of a pre-treatment plant for residues from the Malaysian Palm Oil Industry
Date:	2011
Location:	Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Website
Publication:	Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)
Number:	99
Physical Description:	10p.
Additional Information:	Palm Oil Engineering Bulletin formely known as Engineering News
Agency Name:	Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Date Deposited:	06 Apr 2026 02:38
Last Modified:	06 Apr 2026 02:38
URI:	http://myagric.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/24590

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