Mathematical modelling of digester-screw press process for expression of oil from oil palm fruit

Abstract

In this study, mathematical models of flow of the sterilized oil palm fruit stream was developed for isothermal operations and solved analytically or in closed forms. Non-isothermal condition was not considered due to insignificant temperature differences of the fruit stream measured between the inlet and outlet of the digester screw press implying that the isothermal operation is applicable. The mathematical model developed was validated by comparing experimentally determined values of volumetric flow rate with that of the predicted value. Predicted values of volumetric flow rate obtained from the model simulations compared favourably well with the experimentally measured values obtained within the realistic operating conditions of the machine.

Keywords: digester- screw press, palm-oil, expression, models, volumetric flow, efficiency