Refining and Characterization of Palm Kernel Oil Using Treated Charcoal and Clay.

Abstract

This study was aimed at refining palm kernel oil using activated charcoal and activated clay. The effect of activating both charcoal and clay subjected to the (chemical) activation process were studied on the refining of palm kernel oil in an adsorption column. From the results obtained it was shown that there were increase in transmittance of palm kernel oil from 0.12 to 0.47 with activated charcoal and 0.12 to 0.52 with activated as a result of removal of impurities and pigmentation of the oil. A notable change was observed in the Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content of the oil from 6.57 mg(KOH)/g to 1.57 mg(KOH)/g with activated charcoal and 6.57 mg(KOH)/g to 1.15 mg(KOH)/g with activated clay. Hence activated charcoal was a better adsorbent than activated clay.