Crude palm oil is a raw commodity, but its refined version—with improved color, neutral odor, and superior quality—commands higher profits and broader market access. For newcomers entering this lucrative field, a small scale palm oil refining mill represents the perfect entry point. Yet, the key to success lies in understanding not just the “why,” but the “how”: what equipment is needed and how it transforms crude oil into a premium product.
Essential Equipment in a Compact Palm Oil Refining Mill
A typical small-scale setup utilizes a batch processing system, which is cost-effective and flexible for varying production volumes. The essential equipment lineup forms a complete processing circuit:
Heart of the Process: Three core tanks: the refining tank (for degumming and deacidification), the decolorization tank (for bleaching), and the deodorization tank (for final purification).
Critical Support Systems: A steam generator provides the necessary steam and vacuum, while a filtration system (like a plate filter) removes spent bleaching agents and impurities.
The Heating Decision: The main system variation lies in the heating method. You can opt for an electric heating system integrated into the tanks, or a thermal oil heating system. The latter uses a dedicated thermal oil heater to circulate hot oil, offering more uniform and efficient heat transfer for slightly larger or more consistent operations.
The Five-Step Palm Oil Refining Process
Regardless of the heating choice, the process follows a proven chemical and physical pathway to purity:
Degumming: In the refining tank, phosphoric acid and water are added to convert and hydrate gums, allowing them to be separated.
Deacidification: An alkali is introduced to neutralize free fatty acids, forming soapstock which is then removed.
Decolorization: The oil is heated and mixed with bleaching earth, which adsorbs pigments and unwanted color bodies.
Filtration: The oil-clay mixture is pumped through a filter, separating the clean oil from the used adsorbent solids.
Deodorization: Under high temperature and a strong vacuum, volatile odor compounds and remaining moisture are stripped away, yielding stable, tasteless, and odorless refined palm oil.
Why Partner with an Expert Supplier?
Choosing the right equipment is just the first step. The reliability of your small scale palm oil refining mill and the quality of its final product depend on engineering expertise and proven performance. With over ten years of dedicated project experience, we ensure our equipment delivers refined oil that meets all major national and international standards.
Our global footprint—from a 2 TPD plant in Congo-Brazzaville to a 100 TPD facility in Kenya and numerous installations in Indonesia—demonstrates our capability to deliver successful solutions tailored to different scales and markets. We provide more than just machinery; we offer a partnership for your refining success.
Ready to transform your crude palm oil into higher profits? Let's discuss how a customized small-scale refining solution can work for you. Contact us today for a detailed consultation.
http://www.edibleoilrefinerymachine.com
http://www.palmoilrefineryplant.com
WhatsApp: +86 13526627860 (https://wa.me/8613526627860)
Email: market@doinggroup.com
