Separation of Monochloropropanediol Ester from RBDPO With Acid-Washed Activated Carbon

• Main Author: Dwi Putra, Berri
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/42038
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The conversion of crude palm oil (CPO) into refined palm oil involves a process with high temperature in the deodoration stage which results in the formation of contaminant compounds such as glycidyl esters (GE) and monochloropropandiol-esters (MCPD-esters). Both of these compounds can cause cancer if consumed in excessive amounts even specifically for GE can cause mutations in genes. Mitigation methods can be done by removing precursor compounds, modifying the process or separating the formed MCPD and GE. Mitigation of MCPD and GE with the adsorption process is considered more beneficial because it does not need to change the refining process. Activated carbon is chosen as an adsorbent because it is cheap and easy to obtain. This research is aimed to develop adsorption process to adsorb MCPDE using laboratory-scaled adsorption column. Activated carbon was pre-treated using HNO3 6 M at 80oC for 4 hours. Adsorbent dosage used in this experiment was varied at 1, 2, and 4%-weight. Flow rate used in this experiment was varied at 800, 1000, and 1200 rpm. The adsorption experiment was conducted at atmospheric pressure and 35oC. The activated carbon used in the experiment was characterized using BET method and MCPDE concentration in the sample was analysed using indirect method with GC-MS on SIM (Selective Ion Monitoring) mode. It was found in this study that the higher the adsorbent dosage, the better the removal of MCPDE. In addition, it was found that the higher the flow rate, the better the MCPDE removal. The best configuration obtained in this study is on variation with adsorbent dosage of 4%-weight and flow rate of 1200 rpm. MCPDE concentration in this sample was found to be 6.19 ppm with a removal percentage of 67.6%.