Improving of technological parameters of two motorised presses for extracting red oil palm in Benin

Abstract

In Benin, the Motorised Dékanmey Press (PDM) is increasingly used by red palm oil producers. The use of this press results in a relatively high breakage rate of the palm nuts, which affects the quality of the oil. In addition, some processors have begun to adapt and use the Motorised Hydraulic Press (PHM) for extracting red palm oil in order to imitate the principle of the manual screw press. The double objective of the study was to make improvements to the PDM and to adapt the Motorised Hydraulic Press (PHM) for better extraction of red palm oil in Benin. Improvements to the PDM concerned the hoops and the stabilisation of the pressing cone, while improvements to the PHM concerned the diameter of the cage and its solidification,
followed by the installation of an upper-pressing plate. These improvements led to a reduction in the cracking rate of palm nuts for the PDM from 24.91±4.14% to 5.24±0.39% and an increase in extraction yield with the Control Motorised Hydraulic Press (PHMT) from 25.68±1.88% to 31.30±0.75% for the PHMT. The improvements made to the Dékanmey and Hydraulic Motorised Presses have increased yields and substantially reduced the rate of palm kernel cracking and the arduousness of the pressing operation.