CONTINUOUS STERILIZATION: THE NEW PARADIGM FOR MODERNIZING PALM OIL MILLING

This paper examines the current status of development and impact of a new process for continuous sterilization on palm oil milling. The process leads to improvements in the design of mills, reduces the number of process operators, lowers the operating and maintenance costs, and simplifies mill operation. Mills using the process can be more easily supervised and automated. By avoiding the use of pressure vessels for sterilization and cages and cranes for the handling of bunches, palm oil mills are made safer for operators. The use of conveyors in place of cages also minimizes spillage of fruits and oil making mills cleaner.