"This demulsifier is an organic and food-grade chemical that functions to separate the palm oil content in the liquid phase during the production process," the agency's Head of the Environmental Research and Clean Technology Center, Ario Betha Julianssilfero, noted in his statement, Thursday (Nov 21).
He considered demulsifiers an environment-friendly solution and support sustainability in palm oil processing industry practices.
Ario explained that palm oil production produces liquid waste known as Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), which should be managed properly.
Every ton of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) of palm oil produces around 600-700 liters of POME. Processing one ton of palm oil Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) generates approximately 600-700 liters of POME. When POME is discharged into the environment, it contains trace amounts of suspended palm oil, ranging from 1.5 to 3.6 percent of its total composition.
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The developed demulsifier formula will be tested first on a laboratory scale, aiming to reduce palm oil loss in POME by 0.4 percent to 0.7 percent.
This research was funded by the Palm Oil Research Grant received by BRIN. This demulsifier formula will then be tested on a field scale at one of the national palm oil mills using demulsification technology.
Ario stated that palm oil is a major export commodity while emphasizing the importance of innovation in processing through collaborative activities such as focus group discussion, research, and field activities.
"This collaboration is a turning point and momentum for us to be able to work together well in the future," he noted.
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Translator: Farhan Arda Nugraha, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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