Waris Selesa Palm Oil Mill, Sabah, Malaysia

Crude Oil Distillation Process Part 2

The various components of crude oil have different sizes, weights and boiling temperatures; so, the first step is to separate these components. Because they have different boiling temperatures, they can be separated easily by a process called fractional distillation. The steps of fractional distillation are as follows.

Crude Oil Distillation Process Part 1

An oil refinery or petroleum refinery is an industrial process plant where crude oil is processed and refined into more useful petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt base, heating oil, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas. Oil refineries are typically large sprawling industrial complexes with extensive piping running throughout, carrying streams of fluids between large chemical processing units. In many ways, oil refineries use much of the technology of, and can be thought of as types of chemical plants. The crude oil feedstock has typically been processed by an oil production plant. There is usually an oil depot (tank farm) at or near an oil refinery for storage of bulk liquid products.

Extraction of Palm Oil

In this presentation I described the processing of palm oil from oil palm fruit, with a focus on the extraction process to get the crude palm oil.

Presented by Professor Abd Karim Alias
School of Industrial Technology
Universiti Sains Malaysia

Empty Fruit Bunch, EFB Autofeeder for Palm Oil Mills

The Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Autofeeder is the solution to increase the thru-put of palm oil mills by ensuring 100% of EFB fully feeding into the EFB press machine for processing. Therefore, 0% of EFB will be carry over for dispose, 0% loses.

This system is design by KWG Engineering Sdn Bhd, specially for Palm Oil Mills and Industry. This is one of our hot selling products that request by many palm oil mills across Malaysia.

Malaysia's Palm BioDiesel Development Chronology

Palm Product

The Red Palm Oil (Red Gold)

Red gold, commonly known as red oil has been in use for over 5000 years, both, for nutritional as well as medicinal purposes. Particularly in Egypt, red palm oil was revered and considered a sacred food. It is extracted from the fruit of oil palm that originated in tropical Africa. Now, it is grown in other parts of the world too. Though it has been in use for so many years, it is only now that doctors and scientists have begun researching about the benefits of red palm oil in our health and well being. It is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and phytonutrients, which are essential for good health. It is dark red colour, due to the presence of a compound called carotenes that also give carrots and tomatoes their colour.

RED PALM OIL HEALTH BENEFITS

Find out how the regular consumption of palm oil in limited amounts, can help you in deriving maximum health benefits.

The carotenes contained in red oil make it a powerful source of antioxidants. These are converted into vitamin A by the body, a lack of which causes blindness, weak bones, poor immunity, and even after normal mental functions. Since carotenes require fat to be converted to vitamin A, it serves as the perfect solution, and help those who consume itl by preventing all the above mentioned problems.

Mothers who are breast feeding may be able to enrich their milk with vitamin A which is necessary for healthy growth and development children, upon including red palm oil in their diet.

Apart from vitamin A, it is also great source of vitamin E. Vitamin E contains tocotrienol, of four types all which are found in red palm oil. These also give it antioxidant properties that help in eliminating free radicals from the body which are a cause for the development of several diseases including cancer.

Unlike other cooking oil such as olive oil, that lose their nutrients upon heating, red palm oil retains all of its nutrient and is popular as cooking oil. In fact, in many government programs that are undertaken to eliminate nutritional deficiencies, the food is cooked in red oil. This gives the sufferer all the nutrients required by their body.

Though it contains a high amount of saturated fat, studies have shown that consumption of red palm oil in fact prevents heart disease. This is possible as it has the ability to remove the buildup of plague in the arteries, and thus even bring down cholesterol levels. However, it has been advised to consult a doctor before you begin the intake of red oil, if you are at the risk of heart disease.

Another way in which it can protect the heart is by stabilizing blood pressure levels. Due to its antioxidant, red palm oil also reduces the possibility of inflammations of arteries. This helps in keeping the blood pressure level under control. The regular consumption of red palm oil has shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer. This because of tocotrienols that contain anti-cancer properties, and help in preventing skin pancreas, liver, lunch, colon, stomach and prostate cancer. However, the best results have been experienced against breast cancer.

Other problems that can be prevented by the use of this medicinal fruit include macular degeneration, arthritis, cataract, osteoporosis, liver disease, and asthma.

After learning about the benefits of wonderful red palm oil ensure that you include it in your diet, and keep fit and healthy in the long run. Remember to consume it in moderation, as an excess of anything is never good. A tablespoon a day should keep all your problems away.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4776458

Production, Transportation, Refining and Distribution of Palm Oil

What is actually involved in bring it to supermarkets and homes? It can be purchased in bottles and is popular in countries that have embraced it as a cooking oil. Some of us might not be aware that it can also be present in many of the products that we enjoy eating. Even many of the popular scented soap brands use Palm Oil as a major ingredient in the manufacturing process. Palm is plentiful and a major source of vegetable and cooking oil. If you happen to live in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, you cannot help but notice that certain parts of the countryside are populated with millions of palm trees. Palm Oil has become a major commodity on the world market and it is a growing industry and can even be used to produce biofuel.

First of all the Palm Trees have to be picked. It is actually the seeds that contain the oil. These seeds are then crushed in a Mill and separated by process systems to produce something called CPO (crude palm oil).

Once the mill is satisfied with the quality of the oil it can be transported to refineries. If it is being transported by land it will most likely be kept in large containers on trucks. These trucks will deliver the product to refineries who will process it even further into purer oil. When palm oil is being delivered to refineries it is either sampled manually or goes through electronic "palm oil quality monitors"

CPO Refineries are always watching the price of the commodity which is also traded on the stock market so timing can be important.

Finally, these refined products are sold to agents and distributors in smaller quantities who then use the palm oil as a base product or a component of goods that will be found on supermarket shelves and used in homes.

Palm competes with other types of oil such as Canola and Sunflower Oil. The distribution of palm oil and palm oil related products will depend mostly on the preferences of end manufacturers of products which also can be influenced by consumer preferences. Palm for cooking is highly respected in countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia where it is commonly found in restaurant food. There are many benefits to using Palm Oil in these locations but one of the major benefits is that it will be competitively priced compared to other types of vegetable oil which might be costlier to import.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6147210

RTP Bio-Oil As a Renewable Power Source

Renewable energy is a form of energy which comes from natural resources such as wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat, where the source of energy can be reproduced. It also can come from agricultural waste or feedstock which later can be converted into value-added products. A distinct example of renewable energy is bio-oil, a product that derived from oil palm biomass through a chemical process.

Bio-oil produced from RTP™ can economically replace the current transportation fuel, as it can be used to fuel a turbine and specific diesel engines to produce power. It also can replace natural gas, and/or coal in boilers, in either co-fired or sole fuel configuration. As a renewable energy product, it is economical without subsidy at today's fossil fuel prices. It can be referred as an economical RTP bio-oil, which can replace the current fuel based on similar characteristics to fuel machines.

To date, oil palm biomass has been major source in producing biofuel. Lots of research has been conducted in order to convert the biomass into biofuel, notably biodiesel. Not only the oil from the oil palm is used but fronds, empty fruit bunches and palm kernel shells harvested from oil palm plantations were proposed into conversion to renewable energy. By using both the biomass from the plantation as well as the processing residues from palm oil production (fibers, kernel shells, and palm oil mill effluent), bio-energy from palm plantations can have an effect on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

By using palm biomass to generate renewable energy, fuels and biodegradable products, the balance of energy and greenhouse emissions is improved. Oil palm plantations incinerate biomass to generate power for palm oil mills. In efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, scientists treat palm oil mill effluent to extract biogas which later can be used as energy source for various products.

After purification process, biogas can substitute for natural gas for use at factories. One example on biogas production is anaerobic treatment of palm oil mill effluent results in the production biomass degrading bacteria that produce methane, a form of biogas. It plays an important role in methane production which leads to the production of biogas as renewable fuel.

Conversion of waste into wealth has been garnering attention since it is economical and helps to solve environmental problems. Agricultural waste for example oil palm biomass has been used to create another source of energy, that is safer, cost-effective and efficient in terms of the performance. It also can reduce the cost of production since it is a continuous process.

Premium Renewable Energy (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., also known as PRE Malaysia focuses on the production of bio-oil from oil palm biomass as a source of green renewable energy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5420299

Rapid Thermal Processing to Convert Oil Palm Biomass Into a Premium Renewable Energy Source

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Rapid Thermal Processing or "RTP™" is a process which adds value to biomass. In this particular case, it can be used to convert oil palm biomass into bio-oil, which can then be served to other purposes such as a renewable source of energy. Large-scale experiments have shown that the quality and yield of the resulting bio-oil is so viable, it can be considered as a premium renewable energy. Among the intended uses being renewable transport fuels. This method of producing a renewable source of energy is based on the introduction of heat to efficiently convert oil palm biomass to produce high value products. The result is a premium renewable energy source which can be used for various purposes including power generators, green diesel and can even replace jet fuel.

The conversion of oil-palm biomass through RTP™ technology in producing a renewable energy source of fuel such as bio-oil is currently under research and development. Such pyrolysis technology exists, and has operated on a long-term commercial basis which converts the solid biomass to liquid in less than two seconds. The result is simply renewable energy from oil palm biomass. Basically, it is a fast thermal process where the biomass is introduced into a vessel and rapidly heated to 500 deg C by a tornado of hot sand and then rapidly cooled within seconds. It generates a relatively high yield (up to 75% per weight of biomass) of pourable, liquid "bio-oil" from residual forestry or agricultural product, in this case oil palm biomass. Pyrolysis technology exploits the thermo-chemical process of decomposing organic material at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen. It typically occurs under pressure and operates at high temperatures (above 430 deg C).

This process is the basis of several methods that are being developed for producing premium renewable energy from oil palm biomass. The process is self-sustaining as it is economical, where the byproducts produced from this process are used to generate much of the heat and power required to operate the unit. It produces very little byproducts: notably char which is consumed internally to generate the required heat for the rapid thermal process; and gas, which can be used for drying the incoming biomass or for heating integration into the overall facility. From here it is clear that rapid thermal processing in converting oil palm biomass into a premium renewable energy source provides an answer to the energy debate. The resulting clean renewable energy can be used to replace fossil fuels without the expense of changing the infrastructure of fuel engine technology, like the issue with bio-diesel. Faiz Suberi is currently a consultant for Premium Renewable Energy (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Also known as PRE Malaysia, they focus on the production of bio-oil from oil palm biomass as a source of green renewable energy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5118670

Oil Palm Male Flower

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Can BioEnrich resolve oil palm trees from producing male flower problem?

Today, there is a growing trend of oil palm tree producing male flower. This phenomenon is becoming more common and problematic. It caused a significant drop of yield and decreased farmers' income because male flower does not produce any fruit bunch. Over the past 40 years, this problem is not prevalent. Why this phenomenon is getting common? Is there any solution to counter this problem?

An oil palm tree produces more male flower for a simple reason. It does not get enough nutrients as needed. Tree is a living object, and it reacts according to the problems encountered. Since the tree cannot get sufficient nutrient from its current rooting system, soil condition or overall environment factor to produce fruit bunch, it will accordingly "give up" and starts producing male flower.

Male flower phenomenon happens in the situation stipulated as below:

i) Acidic and harden soil - While acidic soil can stop root development, harden soil will block root hair from nutrients intake. Furthermore, harden soil cannot keep water. As a result, trees are not getting adequate water and nutrients.

ii) Hilly land - Generally soil erosion is extensive in slopes and terrain compared to undulating and flat land. All fertilizer applied will easily flushed away by rain water if no measures are taken to prevent or control soil erosion at steeply sloping land. This caused the soil "unfertilized". Besides, slope land usually cannot retain water. The most important thing for an oil palm tree to grow healthy is the quality of soil and water where they are put in. If the tree does not get enough water for weeks or months, it will produce male flower.

iii) Good oil palm trees have big tree trunks and can generate higher yield. Unfortunately, when soil has already been depleted of its natural nutrients and micro-organisms, the tree will produce male flower. The problem arises not because of the species, but the soil condition. You must always set up a very good soil condition so that this "big eater" species can consume enough nutrients and produce more fruit bunch.

iv) Replanting land. Coconut and oil palm belongs to the same family and they require similar nutrients for growth. If the same crop or a similar type belonging to the same family is grown in the same land for a long period, it will suffer from the accumulated pests and diseases from the previous crop(s) and may not grow well. This will result in soil problems. When a tree lack of few essential trace elements, the tree growth will be affected and thus male flower is produced. This explained why all virgin land has no serious male flower issues.

Male flower is not a disease. It just a symptom reflected by the trees. When the quality of soil condition and water is improved, this phenomenon will subsequently diminish. The next generation is basic instinct of all living things in the world, a living will not simply sacrifice it ability for next generation provided the mother life is not in harm. This is just the rule of nature.

Conclusion: BioEnrich able to enhanced soil fertility and restoring soil ph naturally, thus is able to resolve oil palm from producing male flower.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4821741

Review - The Palm Oil Miracle

The Palm Oil Miracle, Dr. Bruce Fife, 2007, ISBN 9780941599658

This book is all about palm oil, a seemingly "miracle" vegetable oil that has been used for thousands of years, and is currently being used around the world. But it is generally unknown here in America.

The reason for America's unfamiliarity with palm oil is that, for the last 30 years, Americans have been subjected to a huge amount of corporate propaganda (what else is new?). The culprit is the domestic vegetable oil industry. They have convinced the average citizen that tropical oils, which are high in saturated fat, are a leading cause of high cholesterol and heart disease. Supposedly, poly- and monounsaturated fats are the way to go. If that's true, why are the rates of heart disease much higher in America than in the rest of the world?

Many medical studies have shown that palm oil can protect against a huge number of common ailments (the book references over 300 studies). For instance, it can protect against cancer, heart disease, it improves blood sugar control, it supports healthy liver and lung function, it helps protect against mental deterioration, like Alzheimer's Disease, and it helps strengthen bones and teeth. The book goes into detail about why saturated fat is better than unsaturated fat, and why palm oil is so healthy. Believe it or not, fat is an essential nutrient; the human body needs a certain amount of it every day. Those who are on a low-fat diet are doing more harm than good to themselves.

Palm oil is used in cooking, baking and deep frying, and can be used in place of margarine or vegetable oil. It can be used as a dietary supplement, and is non-toxic even in large amounts. It is even a natural anti-aging and anti-wrinkle moisturizing skin cream. The book also includes recipes that use the oil, to cook and see for yourself.

Here is a fascinating book that is full of useful information for anyone. If the medical profession can only suggest a long and expensive course of treatment for whatever ails you, consider reading this book. What have you got to lose?

Paul Lappen is a freelance book reviewer whose website, [http://www.deadtreesreview.com], has over 800 reviews on all subjects, with an emphasis on small press books.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5395025

Vitamin E - Did You Know Palm Oil Is Packed With This Nutritional Supplement?

Vitamin E: The briefest of introduction!

A combination of 8 related molecules known as tocopherols constitute the Vitamin E. The most biologically active amongst them are Alpha-Tocoperols and they are responsible for most of the benefits the body receives from the absorption of this particular nutritional supplement It is a stable fat-soluble vitamin, which means that our body can easily break down its potency and nutrients. The daily allowance for Vitamin E, as recommended by the US FDA is measured at 8 to 10 milligrams (15 IU) per day. There are a number of experts however who recommend a much large daily dosage such as Dr. William Shute. (In his widely acclaimed Book of Vitamins, he suggests a daily dose of at least 800 (up to 1600) IU.) This high dosage is thought to play a beneficial part in the prevention of arterial degeneration, which is a devastating vascular damage caused by diabetes.

Vitamin E: How is it beneficial. (If you must know something, then let it be the following!)

According to a research conducted by the folks at Yale University, the unwelcome physical decline that goes hand in hand with aging can be positively affected by a daily intake of this substance. This doesn't mean old folks who were finding difficult to get out of bed will all of sudden be able to leap out in one graceful jump but research did show a gradual rebuilding of vitality which transferred over to a better overall health.

Vitamin E and Diabetics:

In a Swedish Study, Vitamin E therapy as a treatment for diabetes was put forward and supported. The findings includes suggestions such as an advisable daily intake dose of 200 IU of vitamin E over the course of two weeks. The study suggests that Vitamin E helps decrease the insulin requirements of Diabetic patients.

Breast Cancer and Vitamin E: In a society ravaged with an alarming number of women diagnosed with Breast Cancer, vitamin E, taken in proper form appears to be a considered method of reducing the risk of this illness. A number of studies have demonstrated that the risk of contracting Breast Cancer double for women with low levels of vitamin E when compared with those who take the recommended minimum requirements. These studies indicate that some Vitamin E components found in food may be the reason for the reduction in Cancer of the Breast incidence .
There are two classes of Vitamin E:

1. Tocopherol, the form usually found in supplements
2. Tocotrienol, found in food. For example palm oil .

Foods rich in Vitamin E are:

• Oils: vegetable oils such as palm oil, sunflower, corn, soybean, and olive oil.
• Good sources of vitamin e are egg yolk, margarine, Parmesan,cheddar,chickpeas, soya beans, avocados, olives, carrots, parsnips, red peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet corn, and watercress.
• Other sources can be found in fish, goats milk, whole grains,wheat or cereal germ, oatmeal, whole grain products peanut butter, fruits, vegetables, milk and all whole raw or sprouted seeds. Because of the hectic life we seemingly lead in this modern world

Did you know?Vitamin E supplements and all Dietary supplements are measured in international units (IU) .

Did you also know that the word 'Vitamin" is the combination of two words proposed by Dr. Cacimir Fun who in 1911 talked about "Vita Amine" when referring to a new food substance used in the cure of beri-beri.

Several decades later, the final "e" was dropped and a new word was created: Vitamin! Vitamins as micro-nutrients were actually discovered earlier (1887) when Dr.Eijkman who was studying a disease in Indonesia called beriberi realized that fowl who were fed with polished rice developed the disease whereas those fed on crudely milled rice did not.

Nutrition has always been the best source for our supplemental needs. Vitamin E is not different and can be found in all the food sources mentioned above. If you choose to take Vitamin E in supplemental form, our best advise would be Organic Vitamins.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/974921

Palm Vitamin E Tocotrienols Benefits

Palm vitamin E tocotrienols significantly help increase immunity or to inhibit disease in our bodies. Vitamin E was first isolated and recognized nearly 60 years ago. It is fat soluble, widely distributed in foods and can even be stored in our bodies. As a result, vitamin E deficiency rarely occurs in mammals. It is present in all our tissues and cells and protects against the ravages of oxidative damage by free radicals formed in our body. It also plays an important role in the regulation of our immune system. In recent times, vitamin E has been discovered playing its role as an inhibitor of cell proliferation.
Vitamin E occurs in substantial amounts in oils and fats. Generally, the higher the polyunsaturated fatty acid content of oil, the higher the vitamin E requirement. An average ratio of vitamin E to polyunsaturated fatty acids of about 0.6 mg/g is highly desirable.
Vitamin E mostly occurs as alpha, gamma, and delta tocopherol. The composition of vitamin E in palm oil is, however, quite different. Only about 30% of its composition is tocopherol, whereas the rest occur as tocotrienols (alpha, gamma and delta) which are again different isometric forms of vitamin E.
Apart from palm oil, rice bran, wheat germ and barley germ oils are good sources of the tocotrienols.

Benefits of Vitamin E Palm Tocotrienols
Tocotrienols have a chemical structure that is slightly different from the tocopherols.
Research has already determined that this structural difference, while allow it to perform all the classic functions of vitamin E, additionally confers important biological and physiological properties that are not noticeable in tocopherols.
Good manufacturing practice ensures that a substantial amount of palm vitamin E is retained in palm olein, commonly used as cooking oil in our Asian cooking. When crude palm oil is refined, a portion of its vitamin E is concentrated as a by-product, called palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD).
Now, innovative technologies allow the recovery of this palm vitamin E as a concentrate that contains about 30% tocopherols and 70% tocotrienols. Palm vitamin E is now commercially available in Malaysia and other regions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4982433

Oil Palm BMP - Mature Stage

The International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) is a not-for-profit, science-based organization dedicated to responsible management of plant nutrition for the benefit of the human family. As a global organization, IPNI has initiatives addressing the world's growing need for food, fuel, fiber, and feed. Best Management Practices (BMP) for nutrient stewardship encourage the concept of applying the right product, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place.

Agriculture in South Asia and Southeast Asia regions is under extreme pressure to deliver unprecedented productivity to meet demand, while facing increasing pressures for land and water resources from other sectors. In Southeast Asia both subsistence and plantation crops are seeing sustained price increases. These are anticipated to continue for at least the medium term. In both cases, agricultural growth must be contained within the same ecological footprint. Land is not available for expansion in many areas. Even where it is, society demands that agriculture should not take more land but improve productivity to produce more from the same or less land and water resources. The only option is to intensify production and this seems easily achievable through the more intelligent use of existing technologies, and specifically so, plant nutrition - yields and efficiency of plantations is far from the potential and highly patchy. The goal is therefore to support intensification of oil palm plantation agriculture, which enables it to produce more while not increasing its ecological footprint, or reducing it where and when required.

Palm Oil Based Oleochemicals

Executive Focus: CEO, Malaysian Palm Oil Council

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Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Yusof Basiron is CEO of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), a not-for-profit organization that aims to promote the market expansion of Malaysian palm oil and palm oil products. He spoke with The Prospect Group about palm oil's contribution to Malaysia's economy, the opportunities for Malaysian palm oil as a raw material for bio-fuel, and the negative connotation that has been placed on the palm oil industry by various NGOs.

Malaysian Palm Oil Board: Organization

Organization

The members of the Board are appointed by the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities. It comprises of a Chairman, representatives from three ministries; Finance, Plantation Industries and Commodities, and International Trade and Industry; and also representatives from Federal Land Development Authority, National Association of Smallholders, Malaysian Estate Owners Association, Malaysian Palm Oil Association, Malaysian Edible Oil Manufacturers’ Association, Palm Oil Millers’ Association of Malaysia, Palm Oil Refiners’ Association of Malaysia, Malaysian Oleochemical Manufacturers Group, Sarawak State Government, Sabah State Government, East Malaysia Planters’ Association and the Director-General of MPOB.

The board is served by several committees in the areas of Research (Program Advisory), Finance & Development, Tenders, Establishment, Registration & Licensing and Audit.

The administration and management of MPOB is the responsibility of the Director-General, supported by a Deputy Director-General (Research & Development) and a Deputy Director-General (Services).

MPOB’s activities are divided into eight divisions headed by Directors. The divisions are Biological Research, Engineering & Processing Research, Advanced Oleochemical Technology, Product Development Research & Advisory Services, Economics & Industry Development, Finance, Management & Development, Information Technology & Corporate Services and Licensing & Enforcement.

Organizational Structure of MPOB

Malaysian Palm Oil Board: Function & Funding

 
Functions

• Implement policies and development programs to ensure the viability of the oil palm industry of Malaysia.
• Conduct and promote research and development activities relating to the oil palm industry.
• Regulate, register, co-ordinate and promote all activities relating to the oil palm industry.
• Develop, promote and commercialize research findings as well as provide technical, advisory and consultancy services to the oil palm industry.
• Develop and maintain markets for oil palm products as well as promote efficient marketing.
• Liaise and co-ordinate with other organizations inside or outside Malaysia to further enhance the oil palm industry of Malaysia.
• Plan and implement training programs and human resource development in line with the needs of the oil palm industry.
• Be the resource and information center of the oil palm industry including the publication and dissemination of information on oil palm as well as other oils and fats.

Funding

MPOB derives its funding mainly from cess imposed on the industry for every tonne of palm oil and palm kernel oil produced. In addition, MPOB receives budget allocations from the government to fund development projects and for approved research projects under the Intensification of Research in Priority Areas (IRPA) program. 

Malaysian Palm Oil Board: Vision, Mission, Strategies & Policy

Vision

To become the premier Nobel Laureate – producing research and development institution, providing leadership and impetus for the development of a highly diversified, value-added, globally competitive and sustainable oil palm industry.

Mission

To enhance the well-being of the Malaysian oil palm industry through research, development and excellent services.

Strategies

• Expand and improve the current uses of oil palm products.
• Find new uses for the products.
• Improve production efficiency and quality of products.
• Optimize land utilization in oil palm areas.
• Promote the use, consumption and marketability of oil palm.

Policy

• To adopt strong market and industry-oriented research and development programs.
• To aggressively undertake transfer of technologies and commercialization of research results.
• To forge and active partnership in technology development and utilization with the private and public sectors.
• To strengthen international linkages and research collaboration in selected areas.
• To promote global awareness, appreciation and demand for Malaysian oil palm and products.

Malaysian Palm Oil Board: Introduction & Operations

Introduction 

Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is a premier government agency under the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities, entrusted to serve the country’s oil palm industry. Its main role is to promote and develop national objectives, policies and priorities for the well-being of the Malaysian oil palm industry.

It was incorporated by an Act of Parliament (Act 582) and established on May 1, 2000, taking over, through a merger, the functions of the Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia (PORIM) and the Palm Oil Registration and Licensing Authority (PORLA). Each of these respective organizations has been involved in the oil palm industry for more than 20 years and it is to render more effective services as well as to give greater national and international focus to the industry that MPOB was instituted. 

Operations

The thrust of MPOB’s activities is on Research and Development (R&D). A whole spectrum of R&D work ranging from upstream production to downstream processing is carried out by the various research divisions and is also being supported by non-research divisions.

Expanding The Palm Oil Industry In Malaysia

The government remains committed to increasing and improving the country's palm oil sector, the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) in the Prime Minister's Department said in its 2012 Annual Report of the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

The Palm Oil National Key Economic Area (NKEA), Malaysia's most important commodity is expected to contribute from RM125 billion to RM178 billion to the Gross National Income (GNI) and create about 41,600 jobs by 2020, with the government's focus on eight Entry Point Projects (EPPs).

It said palm oil production has surged in recent decades, owing to the success and support of research and development activities in developing higher-yielding, top quality crops by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). The eight EPPs have been outlined by the government under the palm oil NKEA to drive the sector's growth and its role as a central element of the national economy.

This week Business Circle talks to Tan Sri Dato' Seri Lee Oi Hian - Chief Executive Officer of Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad and Ku Kok Peng - Director, Palm Oil & Rubber, NKEA & ETP Investment, PEMANDU on the possibilities available for Malaysia through Palm Oil Industry.

Palm Kernel Oil - A Good Household Remedy for Children's Ailments

From the recent trend of medicinal research, which has to do with plants and their extract, and the results obtained and published so far, one can say that nature (God of creation) has bestowed on man all he has need of. Palm kernel oil for instance, is used in African (Nigeria) medicine to treat a number of ailments that affect infants- such as convulsion. Every little plant we see around us is likely to contain one or more substance (components) that is a likely cure one or more ailments. Although research has shown some of them to be poisonous. For instance, there is a claim by the Yoruba's in Nigeria- West Africa, that the roots of maize can be used as a poison.

Palm Kernel oil (PKO), which is obtained from Oil palm tree is the second oil that can be extracted from the tree. While palm oil is extracted from the mesocarp- the fleshly cover of the oil palm seed, PKO is extracted from the endocarp- the nut itself after breaking. Of all the about 200 edible oils, PKO and Coconut oil (CNO) are the only two that contains lauric acid, hence they are called lauric oil. Both palm oil and palm kernel oil are obtained from the same tree known as- Elaeis guineensis. The two trees producing PKO, CNO and Palm oil are also similar in that they are both called palms, even though they of different species. Traditionally, the production of PKO involves the following: the nuts obtained after palm oil production is cracked to obtain the kernels, the kernels are then heated in a clean pot until the oils are extracted from the kernels, and the oil is then poured out (decanted) from the pot into clean bottles for use or sale. In some part of Nigeria 750ml of the oil cost N200 Nigerian currencies, which is about 1.5 U.S dollars. The oil obtained is dark min color.

PKO can be used to treat ailments like cold, catarrh, cough, convulsion, skin infection and stomach upset among others disorders that affect children (as well as adults).

• For catarrh, cold and convulsion, particularly in children; simply rub the oil all over the child's body consistently- say thrice a day for about 7 days and be sure the ailment will be gone in about 10 days. In the course of doing this evidence abound that the skin of such child will be prevented from being infected by some skin pathogens.

• For cough and stomach upset/ disorder, taking a 5ml twice daily orally will suppress the cough and stomach disorder. In addition to this is the fact that it serves has a purgative, this may not be unconnected with the oily nature of the extract although the phytochemical constituents may also be responsible for this effect.

• Lastly, though like a superstitious believe is the claim of its use in some parts of Akwa-Ibom in Nigeria, as a repeller of witches. The claim is that when burned the aroma of the oil drives away witches.

In conclusion, the traditionally extracted Palm Kernel Oil is of great medicinal value not only for children but also for adults, and it's healing potential for the ailments mentioned earlier is an indication of its antimicrobial properties for the microbes causing some of those ailments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6286908

Fuel Properties of Normal and Low Pour Point Palm BioDiesel

Type of Soil & Fertilizer Suitable for Palm Oil Tree

Golden Oil from Green Agriculture, Malaysian Palm Oil

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Sustainable Palm Oil Developments In Malaysia, Part 5: Practices Adopted By Oil Palm Industry

Several practices have been adopted by the Malaysian oil palm industry to enhance the sustainability of the industry, such as:

• Adopting Environmental Policies and requirements
• Implementing Good Agriculture Practices (GAP)
• Implementing Codes of Practices (COPs)
• Completed MPOB LCA Studies along oil palm supply chain
• Conservation efforts

Adopting Environmental Policies and requirements:

 
The oil palm industry in Malaysia is highly regulated according to the law of the land. These include laws pertaining to;

• Land Matters:
• National Land Code 1965
• Land Acquisition Act 1960
• Environmental Matters:
• Environmental Land Conservation Act 1960 revised in 1989
• Quality Act 1974 (Environmental Quality) (Prescribed Premises) (Crude Palm Oil) Regulation 1977
• Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulation 1978
• Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 1987
• Labour and Employee Matters:
• Labor Law
• Workers’ Minimum Standard of Housing & Amenities Act 1990
• Occupational Safety & Health Act 1977
• Pesticide Use:
• Pesticides Act 1974 (Pesticides Registration) Rules 1988
• Pesticides (Licensing for sale & storage) Rules 1988
• Pesticides (Labeling) Regulations 1984
• Factories & Machinery (Noise Exposure) Regulations 1989
• Wildlife Matters:
• Protection of Wildlife Act 1972

Implementing of Good Agriculture Practices (GAP)

• Recycling of oil palm biomass and optimization of fertilizer inputs
• Adopting Zero Burning & Re-planting Policy: accumulation of soil carbon in the plantation
• Land Management & planting of leguminous cover crops
• High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF)
• Integrated Pest Management
• POME treatment system

Several of GAPs adopted by the Malaysian oil palm industry

•  Maintain riparian reserve
• Water management
• Cover Crop
• Zero burning policy
• Organic fertilizer (EFB)
• EFB as compost

Integrated Pest management (IPM)

• Effective IPM system for the management of pest, diseases, weeds and introduced species
• Use of natural predators & beneficial plants
• Use of barn own to control rats
• Use of natural biopesticides – Metarhizzium Bt to control pesticides (bagworm)
• Decreased reliance on harmful chemical pesticides
• Only approved chemicals are used when required

POME treatment system

Capturing biogas at oil palm mills produce electricity for supply to the national grid or for their own use at the mills. Biogas from mills contains 65% methane and 35% carbon dioxide. Implementing biogas capture facility will avoid biogas emission of about 17 million tonnes of CO2 eq.

Under National Key Economic Area (NKEA), all oil palm mills in Malaysia will be equipped with biogas capture facilities by 2020.

Status of biogas captures facilities as of April 2012;

• Plants in operation: 51
• Under construction: 20
• Under planning: 109

Launching of Code of Practices throughout the supply chain by MPOB, in August 2007 by Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, covering 7 Codes of Practices (COPs):

• Good Practice for Nursery
• Good Agricultural Practice for Oil Palm Estates & Smallholdings
• Good Milling Practice for Palm Oil Mills
• Good Crushing Practice for Palm Kernel Crushers
• Good Refining Practice for Palm Oil Refineries
• Good Practice for the Handling, Transport and Storage of Products from the Oil Palm
• Good Practice for Bulking Installations

MPOB LCA study for oil palm products including biodiesel had been completed.

• Publication of LCA studies can be found under Biodiesel Resource

Conservation efforts in preserving biodiversity;

• Malaysian Palm Oil Wildlife Conservation Fund (MPOWCF): US$ 5.6 million managed by Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC).

Aims to:

• Help finance appropriate wildlife and biodiversity conservation activities;
• Study the effectiveness of conservation efforts on wildlife and biodiversity;
• Promote our own initiatives on conservation and sustainability activities that will enhance the production of palm oil;
• Help NGOs achieve their objectives on conservation,biodiversity and sustainability;
• Enhance the promotion of conservation and sustainability initiatives for the benefit of the Malaysian Palm Oil producers and consumers throughout the world.

Kinabatangan River- Corridor of Life in Sabah

• The Kinabatangan River is the longest river in Sabah and its landscape is very important for its biodiversity. It is home to over 250 bird, 50 mammal, 20 reptile, and 1,056 plant species. It is one of two places on earth where 10 primate species can be found together, including the orang-utan, proboscis monkey and the Bornean gibbon (the other apparently being in the Cuyabeno Reserve in Ecuadorian Amazonia).
• The Malaysian oil palm industry is also working with WWF on the Corridor of Life. We fully support its vision towards sustainable development

Several new initiatives have emerged in pursuit of sustainability, and these include:

• Publication of the Sustainability Manual for the oil palm industry developed by MPOB and the industry members.
• Establishment of Tropical Peat Institute covering 3 areas of research which includes:
  • Inventory of peatland cultivation in Malaysia
  • Review on working program of GHG flux studies
  • Best management practice (BMP) of oil palm on peatland
• International Research Collaboration
• Collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, Environment and Spatial Planning and University of Wageningen in the Netherlands on the tropical peatland projects
• Collaborative projects on biodiversity with the Netherlands
• Collaborative projects on carbon emission studies
• Introduction of the Roadmap for oil palm industry to enhance its competitiveness as part of oil palm NKEA (National Key Economic Area) covering 8 Entry Project Points (EPP).
• EPP1: Accelerating the replanting of oil palm
• EPP2: Improving Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) yield
• EPP3: Improving workers’ productivity
• EPP4: Increasing oil yield extraction
• EPP5: Developing biogas at the palm oil mills
• EPP6: Developing palm-based oleochemical derivatives
• EPP7: Commercializing of second generation biofuels
• EPP8: Expediting growth in food and health-based downstream segment. 

In addition, the industry-initiated Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) sees the active involvement of Malaysian oil palm plantation companies. To date, several Malaysian plantation companies have achieved RSPO-certification, including United Plantations Bhd, Business operating unit of Sime Darby Bhd (Sandakan Bay Strategic Operating Unit) and IOI Corporation (Pamol Plantation Group). 

Conclusion

Sustainable agriculture is not just environmentally sound land management practices, but is an integration of the three main goals of social responsibility, environmental health, and economic profitability. Malaysia is proud of being well on the way towards fulfilling the sustainable business triple bottom line of people, planet and profits. However, in pursuing the objectives of sustainability, the Malaysian oil palm industry does not want it to be abused as a trade barrier but welcomes a fair and balanced view on issues related to sustainability of palm oil.

 

Sustainable Palm Oil Developments In Malaysia, Part 4: Profit

In many developing countries, the development of natural resources is the only way to generate income necessary to meet the populations’ basic needs, let alone to make profit. The oil palm industry accounts for 5-6% of Malaysia’s GDP, and the importance of the industry to the country’s export earnings is very significant (Table 4)