1.

0 Background of bleaching in refining

Bleaching in term of palm oil refining is the process of removal of unwanted colour to
produce the lightest colour as possible that is acceptable edible colour. It is also remove
impurities such as the trace of soaps which can affect further process (alkaline process)
that can be making it erratic in hydrogenation. Other than that, this process also
removes a nickel traces that will effect deodorization process by charging the flavor and
colour as a result, the flavor would not be almost tasteless and the colour not the
lightest as possible.
2.0 Introduction of the new idea
In bleaching process, for this study usage of bleaching agent can affect the quality of
the crude palm oil itself. The quality attribute of the palm oil extract of the bleaching
agent are studied to portrait the difference effect. There are 3 sample (A, B and C).
Sample A was crude palm oil itself without unbleach, Sample B were bleach with heat
only and sample C were bleach using Activated Coconut Pod Ash (ACPA). This study
measure Moisture content, Crude protein, Oil extract, Free fatty acid, Iodine value
(g/100g),Saponification value, Density (g/cm3), Refractive index, Viscosity and Colour.

3.0 Method
Usually bleaching agent are used is bleaching earth or clay because it properties
that can remove all unwanted particles in the crude palm oil. For this study activated
Coconut Pod Ash (ACPA) were used and prepared for the bleaching agent. 100g of
Coconut Pod incinerated at 300oC for 3 hours in a muffle furnace. It crushed into powder
and sieve with 2mm sieve. The coconut pod ash soaked in 0.5M of sulphuric acid in 24
hours then wash it to neutralize the Ph and dried for 2 hours.
Every sample from A to C use 50ml of same CPO and initial properties were
determined by determine sample A. Sample A worked as basis for the value before the
bleaching. Sample B poured into 200ml beaker and heat at 100oC for 15 minutes.
Sample C mixed with 1.7 ACPA and stirred with a magnetic stirrer and heated at 90 oC
for 15 minutes. The mixed agent filtered and properties of all sample taken.
This is good study because the usual bleaching agent replaced with ACPA. Coconut
pod also easy to get. The usual bleaching agent used is bleaching earth and clay and
this maybe alternative for the substitution. The difference in using bleaching agent and
not using also can get information from here to tell that it is suitable or not to use in
further process in refining. The moisture content and crude protein content decreased
with bleaching. moisture content in the crude palm oil is responsible for the low fatty
acid. The moisture content affects the percentage of the free fatty acid in oil and must
be reduced to a range of 0.15 to 0.25 percent to prevent an increasing free fatty acid.
Free fatty acid (FFA), is formed due to hydrolysis of triglycerides and may be promoted
due to reaction with moisture. The crude protein also decreases.
The saponification value is the value indicate that the CPO suitable in making soap
or not. It this study, it shows that the value increase from sample A to C. Meaning the
bleaching agent also affect the degree of saponification value.
The peroxide value is a test used to measure the concentration of peroxides and
hydro peroxides as well as determination of oxidative rancidity. Good quality oil has a
peroxide value less than 10 units. The peroxide value also decrease from sample A to
C. This show bleaching agent give good impact for the oil in further process.

Finally, the viscosity reduced when using ACPA. The refractive index and the density
of the crude palm oil were higher than the bleached oil samples. This may be due to
impurities contained in crude palm oil as well as the presences of carotenoids. This give
a suitability to run suitability to run in machine because can reduce the pressure drop.
The colour even more clearer with bleaching.

4.0 Conclusion
In conclusion, oil extract and saponification values increases with bleaching. Highest
value obtained from ACPA Bleached PO. The FFA, iodine value, peroxide value,
density, refractive index and viscosity decreased with bleaching. The increase in
saponification value of bleached oil indicate to show the suitability in for soap making
process. The colour more lighter and clearer shows the ACPA remove much of the
impurities.
5.0 Reference
Okolo, J. C1. And Adejumo, B. A, Effect of Bleaching on Some Quality Attributes of
Crude Palm Oil