The Palm oil crop in Ecuador and its extraction

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to take you through the process of the Palm oil crop, harvest, and industrialization to obtain Crude Palm Oil (CPO).Palm oil crops started in Ecuador in 1950 and since then it has brought jobs, wealth and development to our society. Now, 80% of farmers have less than 50 hectares counting to a total of 256 000 hectares. Oil Palm tree is a perennial crop that starts production approximately 24 months after it is planted in the soil. It is harvested every 8 days all year round and it is one of the most versatile products in the world. All components of the fruit have a use for the mill and the plantation.There are two main varieties of Oil Palm trees, which require different tasks: Elaeis Guinesis and High Oleic Palm Tree which is more resistant to diseases, such as Bud Root (PC), and with a higher oil yield per area.Many tasks are needed to maintain the Palm Oil crop, which results in an optimal percentage of oil extraction in the Palm Oil Mill. Some tasks include: Weed cut around the plantation, the €œcorona€ to maintain the area around the palm tree clean, pruning of the leaves, fertilization, pest control and harvest.After harvest, the Oil Palm tree fruit goes into the mill. The extraction of the palm oil is carried out by mechanical means where the fruit first goes trough a sterilizer to soften the tissue and stop the acidification process. The bunch is separated in the fruit threshing drum, and then transported to the digester and twin-screw press where the oil is extracted by pressure. This oil is separated from water and palm cake in the Tridecanter. The process results in two main products: Crude Palm Oil (CPO) and Palm Kernel nut which goes to the Kernel Mill to extract Palm Kernel Oil (PKO), palm kernel cakeEcuador is the 10th biggest Palm Oil producer in the world and now, 19% of total crop area, and growing, is RSPO certified and an important producer of Organic Palm Oil.