Utilization of a Mixture of Bunch Ash and CaCO₃ in the Claybath Process to Increase the Efficiency of Separation of Palm Kernels and Shells
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56862/irajtma.v5i1.417Keywords:
Clay bath, Bunch Ash, CaCO₃, Palm Kernel, Kernel and Shell SeparationAbstract
The palm oil processing industry requires an efficient kernel-shell separation process to improve product quality and minimize kernel losses. One commonly used method is the claybath system that utilizes the density difference between the kernel and shell using a calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) solution. However, using large amounts of CaCO₃ can increase operational costs and generate waste. This study aims to analyze the effect of combining Bunch Ash (oil palm empty fruit bunch ash) with CaCO₃ on the effectiveness of the claybath process. The research method uses an experimental approach with five mixture compositions: 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0. The parameters observed include reductions in dirt content and kernel losses. The results showed that a mixture of 25% Bunch Ash and 75% CaCO₃ gave the best results with an average reduction in dirt content of 56.44% and a reduction in losses of around 86.66%. These results indicate that Bunch Ash has the potential to be a partial substitute for CaCO₃ in clay bath systems, thereby increasing process efficiency and supporting the utilization of biomass waste in the palm oil industry.
References
Barita, Eswanto, dan Kirfan Wujud. 2022. “Planning of Fluidized Combustion Chamber Using Waste Fuel.” IRA Jurnal Teknik Mesin dan Aplikasinya (IRAJTMA) 1 (1): 58–65. https://doi.org/10.56862/irajtma.v1i1.11.
Eswanto, Mohd Adnin Hamidi, Sarbani Daud, Ahmad Fitri Yusop, Kifli Umar, dan Iwan Gunawan. 2025. “Hydrogen-Induced Fuel System in RCCI Engine for Clean Combustion: A Review.” Automotive Experiences 8 (2): 310–337. https://doi.org/10.31603/ae.13722.
Gani, A., Erdiwansyah, H. Desvita, E. Munawar, R. Mamat, M. Nizar, Y. Darnas, dan R. E. Sarjono. 2024. “Comparative Analysis of HHV and LHV Values of Biocoke Fuel from Palm Oil Mill Solid Waste.” Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering 9: 100581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2023.100581.
Issakah, O., A. M. Kayaba, Y. Fiagbe, S. Akromah, J. Y. Kpare, dan E. K. A. Asare. 2025. “Effect of Partial Replacement of CaCO₃ with Palm Kernel Shell Particles on the Mechanical Properties of PKS/CaCO₃/HDPE Hybrid Composites.” Results in Materials 25: 100668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2025.100668.
Miravion, R., Hadiyanto, L. Buchori, dan Widayat. 2018. “The Effect of Solid Waste Clay Bath Pre-Treatment on Characteristic of CaCO₃ Product.” AIP Conference Proceedings 2667. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0114231.
Muhammad, M., M. Marwan, E. Munawar, dan M. Zaki. 2022. “Experimental Study of CO2 Utilization as a Density Modification Agent for Maximizing Palm Shells and Kernels Separation Efficiency.” South African Journal of Chemical Engineering 42: 283–289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajce.2022.09.006.
Nahrul Hayawin, M., N. Muda, Z. Zainal Abidin, dan N. Mohd Noor. 2020. “Optimization of Palm Kernel and Shell Separation in Clay-Water Bath System Using Response Surface Methodology.” Journal of Oil Palm Research 32 (4): 695–704. https://doi.org/10.21894/jopr.2020.0032.
Rey, P. D., Mujiyono, D. Nurhadiyanto, H. K. Perdana, dan E. Rusly. 2025. “Development of Generating Heat Energy from Empty Oil Palm Bunch Powder in Cylinder Bio-Stove with Pyrolysis and Gasification Technology.” Results in Engineering 26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.104741.
Saputra, W. A., N. D. Dharmawati, dan H. Purwoto. 2024. “Analisa Penggunaan Kalsium Karbonat (CaCO₃) dan Kehilangan Kernel pada Proses Pemisahan Kernel di Claybath.” AGROFORETECH 2 (4): 1879–1891.
Simanjuntak, E., M. Idris, dan J. Jufrizal. 2023. “Analysis of Boiler Performance Using Fiber and Shell Combinations in a Takuma N-600 SA.” IRA Jurnal Teknik Mesin dan Aplikasinya (IRAJTMA) 2 (1): 34–42. https://doi.org/10.56862/irajtma.v2i1.41.
Singh, R., H. C. Ong, W. H. Chen, dan C. T. Chong. 2019. “A State-of-the-Art Review on the Fuel Properties of Biomass and Their Effects on Combustion Systems.” Fuel 262: 116486. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2019.116486.
Sulaiman, F., N. Abdullah, dan H. Gerhauser. 2018. “Oil Palm Biomass as a Sustainable Energy Source: A Malaysian Case Study.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 96: 98–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.07.005.
Syarifuddin, Husin, Mahidin, M. Zaki, S. Syafiie, F. Nasution, Ahmadi, Fathullah, dan Y. Sy. 2016. “Reutilization of Real Waste Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) from the Palm Oil Industry (POI) for Palm Kernel and Shell Separation Through Clay Bath Systems.” Recycling 9 (6). https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling9060103.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Rahimah Rahimah, Wardatul Husna Irham, Bagus Satria
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
