Abstract
The effectiveness of adsorbents (unactivated and acid activated) developed from local raw materials - clay and diatomaceous earth samples - sourced from various geographical locations in northern Nigeria for use in the adsorptive bleaching of palm oil was studied. Two acids namely hydrochloric and sulphuric acids of varying strengths 20, 30 and 45% were used for the activation. A batch adsorption process of operation was employed in the bleaching step. Results obtained in which the performance of these locally prepared adsorbents were expressed in terms of percentage colour reductions showed that, the acid-activated samples were more effective in the adsorptive bleaching of palm oil. As much as 96.5 and 98% colour reductions were attained in the first and second sequences of the bleaching steps respectively. This performance compares very well with those of well-known commercial adsorbents (fuller’s earth and activated carbon). Key words: Adsorptive bleaching, acid-activated clay, palm oil refining, degumming, neutralization.
Highlights
A number of attempts have been made in the refining of palm oil using locally sourced raw materials as adsorbents (Salawudeen et al, 2007; Nwabanne and Ekwu, 2013; Regina and Okechukwu, 2012; Usman et al, 2012)
This concentration was adopted for use in this work with the aim of establishing a balance between yield of neutral oil with low free fatty acid (FFA) and alkali (NaOH) concentration
The use of low cost adsorbents developed from local raw materials-clays and diatomaceous earth-for use in the adsorptive bleaching of palm oil have been studied
Summary
A number of attempts have been made in the refining of palm oil using locally sourced raw materials as adsorbents (Salawudeen et al, 2007; Nwabanne and Ekwu, 2013; Regina and Okechukwu, 2012; Usman et al, 2012). The aim was to develop good local substitutes for the commercially imported adsorbent (fuller’s earth) The effectiveness of these locally prepared adsorbents is expressed as a measure of percentage colour reduction of the bleached palm oil. Hymore and Iyayi (1989) investigated the effectiveness of local clays sourced from various locations of the old Bendel State ( Edo and Delta States) and applied them in the adsorptive bleaching of palm oil. Danjuma (2001) investigated the performance of saw dust and rice husk prepared as adsorbents by activation of their carbonaceous materials with zinc chloride These adsorbents were found effective when applied in the adsorptive bleaching of palm oil and a good percentage colour reduction was obtained. Ukpor clay from Enugu State was used by Okeke (1990) for the adsorption bleaching of sheanut oil at 140°C bleaching temperature with a good percentage colour reduction achieved. Oboh et al (1987) investigated the study of activated bleaching power of some selected Nigerian clays which include clays found in Shagamu and Ewekoro, both in Ogun State; Calabar in Cross River State and Nsukka, Enugu State, with a view to initiating
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