H.T. Prakoso, A.S.S. Mawardanti, A. Maftuhah, D.N. Kalbuadi, H.A. Hasibuan, A.N. Adiwinata
The production of refined palm oil generates spent bleaching earth (SBE) as a by-product, which has been increasing annually. According to Indonesian Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 (Appendix XIV), SBE is classified as non-hazardous waste if its oil content is below or equal to 3%. The commonly used Soxhlet extraction method with hexane often fails to meet this standard. This study explores the use of acetone as a solvent to reduce SBE oil content below 3% under varying sample-to-solvent ratios (1:2, 1:4, and 1:6) and temperatures (26°C, 40°C, and 50°C). The results were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test. While several treatments showed similar oil reduction levels, only two met regulatory standards: a 1:4 ratio with shaking at 26°C (2.98%) and a 1:6 ratio with stirring at 50°C (2.96%). Although the 1:6 ratio at 50°C achieved the lowest oil content, the 1:4 ratio at 26°C is more economically viable for scale-up, as it eliminates the need for heating. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.
Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute, Jl. Brigjend Katamso No. 51, North Sumatra, Medan, 20158, Indonesia; Departement of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Brawijaya, Jl. MT. Haryono No. 167, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Research Center for Horticultural and Estate Crops, The National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Center, Jl. Raya Jakarta - Bogor, Cibinong, West Java, Bogor, 16915, Indonesia
