Research seminar

29 February 2016

Venue: LT 6005, Building 6, Monash University Malaysia​
Time: 6.00pm to 8.30pm

The Multidisciplinary Platform of Advanced Engineering and School of Engineering at Monash University Malaysia cordially invites you to a Research Seminar entitled "Continuous Fractionation: The Latest Development in Palm Oil Fractionation" by Mr K. K. Khoo, Managing Director of Desmet Ballestra (M) Sdn Bhd, Malaysia.


Abstract

Palm Oil fractionation is an important step in processing palm oil to be suitable for uses in different applications. Traditionally this process is being carried out in batch stirred reactor where crystals are being agglomerated to the required temperature to meet the specific melting points of the products. The increasing demand for more efficient, more sustainable and optimized processing required the Palm Oil industry to continue in search for new process technologies to remain competitive in the market. Mega size capacity of Palm Oil refineries installation that process more than 2000 tpd are no longer an exception and the economy of scale explains why even the most marginal relative savings in utilities can yield a huge absolute cost reduction. The industrialisation of Continuous Dry Fractionation for Palm Oil ​in this respect is regarded as a major step forward for dry fractionation processing.

This innovative technological development is not only addressing the optimization of utilities but also to overcome the apparent shortcomings of current batch system with crystal deposits, fouling, product variability and consistency. Some of the established advantages with continuous fractionation are:

  • increased throughput 
  • improved yield
  • lower energy consumption (steam and electivity)
  • consistency of product quality

From the first industrialisation of this technology in 2011, it is estimated that as of today there are in excess of about 20.000 MT per day of Palm Oil being fractionated in continuous crystallisation process. Most of these processes are dedicated to palm oil fractionation and its fractions: superoleins, superstearin and mid fractions. But the technology has also found entry for rice bran fractionation, fish oil fractionation etc.


Speaker’s Profile

Mr K. K. Khoo graduated from University of Manchester, UK with a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Chemical Engineering in 1983 and a M.Sc. in Operation Management in 1985. He has worked for close to 30 years in the Oil & Fats Industry starting as Project Engineer and then as Plant Manager in one of the leading Palm Oil Refineries in Malaysia. He was elected Chartered Chemical Engineer and became Fellow of IChemE in 2012. He joined Desmet Ballestra Group in 1992 as General Manager for Malaysia office taking care of the operations in South East Asia region. Later being promoted to Managing Director taking care of the Desmet Ballestra regional offices in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and China covering the South East Asia, Far East Asia and China markets.


Programme

5.30 pm: Registration
6.00 pm: Research Seminar
8.30 pm: Question & Answer Session
8.45 pm: Networking and Refreshments

Please register early as seats are limited. C​lick​ here to register online by 25 February 2015.