Optimization of the hydrogenation and rafination process for cocoa butter substitute production using palm kernel oil in a small and medium scale industry

Abstract

The study on the optimization of hydrogenation and rafination process for cocoa butter substitute (CBS) production using palm kernel oil in small and medium scale industry was conducted. The CBS production process included: hydrogenation, cooling, bleaching, filtering, deodorizing, cooling, and packaging. The optimum condition of the hydrogenation process was obtained using hydrogen with 0.2% nickel catalyst, at 195-200°C, under 2-2.5 bar, using 6.12 hz agitation at 1700 rpm, for 12 hours process. The optimum condition of the rafination process was achieved by bleaching using 2 % bentonite at 80-95°C for 45 minutes and cooling it at 60°C, and deodorizing it at 240°C for 4 hours. The final product of CBS had similar quality characteristics as commercial cocoa butter and was well accepted by consumers. It contained no trans-fatty-acid, 0 nickel, low FFA, and a melting point of 37.1°C.