Investigation of optimal processing parameters of palm kernel oil extraction under uniaxial loading towards food security and energy sustainability

Abstract

The present study evaluates the optimal conditions for palm kernel oil extraction under uniaxial compression loading. The response surface regression technique was used to test the independent variables, which were the force, vessel diameter and speed at three levels separately. The kernel oil yield was observed as the dependent variable where a regression model was described using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% probability level. The observed palm kernel oil yield was found to be 22.61% whereas the optimized value was 22.99%. The corresponding extraction (deformation energy) was calculated to be 1.24 kJ. The lack-of-fit of the regression model was non-significant (P > 0.05) implying its adequacy. The force, vessel diameter and speed at the levels of 200 kN, 60 mm and 4 mmmin-1 were identified as the optimum parameters for obtaining high percentage palm kernel oil under uniaxial compression. The findings would be validated in a mechanical screw press type Farmet Duo at a laboratory scale to optimize the palm kernel oil extraction process at small-to large -scale production.