Hydrocarbons m Crude Palm Kernel Oil

Abstract

Abstract The sources of hydrocarbons in crude palm kernel oil were investigated by a series of laboratory-controlled oil extractions of kernels of varying quality. Site examinations of palm kernel-crushing plants were also conducted to determine possible sources of hydrocarbon contamination of palm kernels throughout the process of kernel extraction. Parallel to these studies, a random survey of crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) produced by different kernel crushers was also carried out to determine the range of hydrocarbon concentrations in locally produced CPKO. This study showed that hydrocarbons can be picked up from sources such as glassware, extracting apparatus, and plastic containers and stoppers. Extraction of oil from low-quality kernels that were both moldy and rancid, broken kernels, and kernels plus added shells also resulted in a higher hydrocarbon level in the final CPKO. Overheating and cooking of the kernels before extraction also contributed to the overall hydrocarbon content. The random survey of hydrocarbon level showed a range of 0.6–7.1 ppm.