HYDROCARBONS IN CRUDE PALM KERNEL OIL

The sources of hydrocarbons in crude palm kernel oil were investigated by a series of laboratory-controlled oil extractions of kernels of va rying quality. Site examinations of palm kernel-crushing plants were a lso conducted to determine-possible sources of hydrocarbon contaminati on of palm kernels throughout the process of kernel extraction. Parall el to these studies, a random survey of crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) p roduced by different kernel crushers was also carried out to determine the range of hydrocarbon concentrations in locally produced CPKO. Thi s study showed that hydrocarbons can be picked up from sources such as glassware, extracting apparatus, and plastic containers and stoppers. Extraction of oil from low-quality kernels that were both moldy and r ancid, broken kernels, and kernels plus added shells also resulted in a higher hydrocarbon level in the final CPKO. Overheating and-cooking of the kernels before extraction also contributed to the overall hydro carbon content. The random survey of hydrocarbon level showed a range of 0.6-7.1 ppm.