Efficient dilution levels of diluted press liquor in the palm-oil clarification process and the design of an automated control system to maintain
Author
Yañez A., Edgar E.
Díaz R., Óscar M.
García N., Jesús A.
Castillo M., Edgar F.
Como citar
Publicación:
Revista Palmas; Vol. 29 Núm. 4 (2008); 21-30
0121-2923
Revista Palmas; Vol. 29 Núm. 4 (2008); 21-30
0121-2923
Abstract
In this study were evaluated eight levels of dilution for liquid coming out of the press (LP) in the palm oil clarification process in a range between 0.8 and 1.4, measured as percentage volume oil / percentage volume water in the diluted press-liquor (LPD). This assessment led to the establish, within the range considered, an optimal dilution of 1.4 (percentage volume oil / percentage volume water), which one in relation to the conventional dilution level of 1.0 (percentage volume oil / percentage volume water), increased the oil recovery efficiency by 50 percent. This value can reduce water consumption in the clarification process in approximately 29 percent, which means almost 10 percent less in total water consumption per ton of palm oil. In general, a lower consumption of water during the oil extraction process means lower sizes in clarifications equipment and larger residence times, as well as a reduction in the generation of effluents. Rheological analysis was conducted on samples taken from LPD, which led to classify the type of fluid as Non-Newtonian-Seudoplastic and analyze the effect of the dilution on the viscosity for the diluted press-liquor. That results was used to design and to evaluate a control system that ensures the appropriate dilution (1.4 percentage volume oil / percentage volume water) during current conditions of processing, which allows a quick separation of oil, an overall increase in the process efficiency and reducing environmental impact by decrease the water consumption and effluents generation. En este trabajo se evaluaron ocho niveles de dilución del licor de prensa (LP) en el proceso de clarificación del aceite en un rango entre 0,8 y 1,4, medidos en el licor de prensa diluido (LPD) como porcentaje volumen aceite / porcentaje volumen agua. Esta evaluación permitió establecer, dentro del rango indicado, una relación óptima de dilución de 1,4 (porcentaje volumen aceite/porcentaje volumen agua), que en relación con el nivel de dilución convencional de 1,0 (porcentaje volumen aceite/porcentaje volumen agua), incrementó la eficiencia de separación en 50 por ciento. Este valor permite reducir el consumo de agua en el proceso de clarificación en aproximadamente 29 por ciento, lo cual significa casi un 10 por ciento menos en el consumo total de agua por tonelada de aceite de palma. Un menor consumo de agua en el proceso de clarificación y en general en el proceso de extracción de aceite significa menores volúmenes en los equipos de clarificación y mayores tiempos de residencia, así como una reducción en la generación de efluentes del proceso. Se realizó un análisis reológico de las muestras de LPD, los cuales permitieron clasificar el tipo de fluido como No-newtoniano-Seudoplástico y analizar el efecto de la dilución sobre la viscosidad del licor de prensas diluido. Con lo anterior se diseñó y evaluó un sistema de control que permite garantizar una dilución adecuada (1,4 porcentaje volumen aceite/porcentaje volumen agua) y ajustada a las condiciones reales de procesamiento, que permite una rápida separación de aceite, un incremento global en la eficiencia del proceso y la reducción del impacto ambiental por disminución en el consumo de agua y generación de efluentes.
In this study were evaluated eight levels of dilution for liquid coming out of the press (LP) in the palm oil clarification process in a range between 0.8 and 1.4, measured as percentage volume oil / percentage volume water in the diluted press-liquor (LPD). This assessment led to the establish, within the range considered, an optimal dilution of 1.4 (percentage volume oil / percentage volume water), which one in relation to the conventional dilution level of 1.0 (percentage volume oil / percentage volume water), increased the oil recovery efficiency by 50 percent. This value can reduce water consumption in the clarification process in approximately 29 percent, which means almost 10 percent less in total water consumption per ton of palm oil. In general, a lower consumption of water during the oil extraction process means lower sizes in clarifications equipment and larger residence times, as well as a reduction in the generation of effluents. Rheological analysis was conducted on samples taken from LPD, which led to classify the type of fluid as Non-Newtonian-Seudoplastic and analyze the effect of the dilution on the viscosity for the diluted press-liquor. That results was used to design and to evaluate a control system that ensures the appropriate dilution (1.4 percentage volume oil / percentage volume water) during current conditions of processing, which allows a quick separation of oil, an overall increase in the process efficiency and reducing environmental impact by decrease the water consumption and effluents generation.
Palabras clave:
aceite de palma
plantas de beneficio
procesamiento
aguas residuales
clarificación
tasa de extracción de aceite
aceite de palma
plantas de beneficio
procesamiento
aguas residuales
clarificación
tasa de extracción de aceite