Pulsed Electric Field System
Boost palm oil extraction rates with the Pulsed Electric Field System. This advanced pulsed electric field (PEF) processing technology increases oil extraction rates by up to 2%, thereby improving oil yield by up to 10%. It can also reduce sterilization time and steam consumption. Retrofit-friendly, this PEF technology helps mills improve throughput by reducing sterilization time, increasing crude palm oil quality, lowering operating costs, and extracting more value from every fresh fruit bunch.
Recover more oil, improve crude oil quality, and minimize oil losses
- Increase crude palm oil extraction rates and yield
- Reduce sterilization time while recovering more oil from fresh fruit bunches
- Improve oil quality despite variations in fruit ripeness and crop quality
- Expand mill capacity and throughput
- Extend the service life of critical equipment through reduced wear and tear
The Alfa Laval Pulsed Electric Field System helps palm oil producers increase crude palm oil (CPO) extraction rates, improve oil quality, and reduce operating costs.
Developed in partnership with Elea, a global leader in industrial PEF technology, this next-generation pre-treatment solution enhances extraction performance by improving oil release before sterilization and pressing.
Pulsed electric field processing can improve oil extraction rates by up to 2% and recover up to 10% more oil from the same fresh fruit volume, improving productivity without increasing feedstock consumption.
Lower free fatty acids (FFA) levels and a higher degree of bleachability index (DOBI) support more efficient refining by minimizing oil losses and bleaching earth consumption. The result is a consistently higher quality of refined palm oil.
This advanced CPO solution addresses one of the industry's main bottlenecks: sterilization. Pre-treating fruit bunches in the PEF system can reduce sterilization time and help increase mill throughput.
By removing abrasive contaminants before PEF treatment, the system reduces wear on digesters, presses, and separation equipment – extending asset life while lowering operating and maintenance costs.
The result: higher oil yield, greater processing capacity, and stronger returns from every fresh fruit bunch processed.
Improved oil extraction
Pulsed electric field processing can improve oil extraction rates by up to 2% and recover up to 10% more oil from the same fresh fruit volume, improving productivity without increasing feedstock consumption.
Efficient fruit detachment
PEF technology supports efficient crude palm oil processing by facilitating the detachment of palm fruits from fresh fruit bunches. By applying short electrical pulses, the tissue structure at the fruit attachment point is weakened, allowing fruits to separate more easily during subsequent handling and processing steps. This can help improve processing efficiency, reduce mechanical stress, and support a smoother downstream oil extraction process while maintaining product quality.
Improved CPO quality
Lower free fatty acids (FFA) levels and a higher degree of bleachability index (DOBI) support more efficient refining by minimizing oil losses and bleaching earth consumption. The result is consistently higher-quality refined palm oil.
Increased mill throughput and capacity
Shorter sterilization times and lower steam demand can free up processing capacity, reduce energy consumption and help mills make better use of existing equipment. Faster processing can increase throughput, save time and lower operating costs, supporting a more efficient and resource-conscious palm oil production process.
Reduced equipment wear and operating costs
By removing abrasive contaminants before PEF treatment and reducing mechanical stress during downstream processing, the system helps minimize wear on digesters, presses and separation equipment. This can extend equipment service life while reducing maintenance and operating costs.
PEF technology for a more sustainable palm oil industry
Alfa Laval and Elea Technology are both members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Our membership reflects our commitment to supporting a more sustainable and responsible palm oil industry.
The Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) system contributes to a more sustainable crude palm oil production process by improving fruit detachment and enhancing oil release before pressing. Better fruit detachment enables shorter sterilization times, which in turn reduces steam consumption and thermal energy demand. At the same time, improved oil release can increase oil extraction rates and oil yield from the same amount of fruit and land use.
By combining improved fruit detachment, shorter sterilization and lower steam consumption with enhanced oil recovery, PEF technology helps improve process efficiency and resource efficiency while reducing resource consumption.
How pulsed electric field processing works
The Alfa Laval Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) System is a non-thermal pre-treatment technology to support crude palm oil extraction and can be integrated into palm oil mill processing lines before sterilization. Instead of relying on heat, PEF technology applies short, controlled high-voltage electrical pulses before sterilization and pressing. These electrical pulses increase the permeability of plant cell membranes, helping release oil more effectively during subsequent processing. This can support higher CPO extraction and yield while potentially reducing energy demand and improving downstream processability.
Pre-treatment and preparation
Fresh fruit bunches are washed to remove sand, dirt, and impurities before entering the pulsed electric field processing chamber. This helps ensure consistent operating conditions while reducing abrasive wear on downstream equipment.
Electroporation of plant cells
Inside the pulsed electric field processing chamber, fruit bunches pass between electrodes where precisely controlled high-voltage electric pulses are applied. The electrical pulses increase the permeability of plant cell membranes, creating microscopic pores through a process known as electroporation. Pulsed electric field processing preserves fruit integrity without damaging the crude palm oil through excessive heat.
Depiction of plant cell components in palm fruit.
Fresh fruit bunches entering the Alfa Laval PEF System.
1: The product enters the PEF system and the cell transits through the PEF treatment area.
2: As the pulsed electric field is applied, the cell membrane becomes charged, resulting in electrical compression, causing pore formation (electroporation)
3: Mass transport is now greatly enhanced.
4: Increasing the amount of palm oil extracted.
Selective permeability and controlled cell disruption
Electroporation increases the permeability of plant cell membranes, allowing intracellular water and soluble compounds to move more easily out of the cells. This controlled effect can reduce internal pressure and softens the fruit structure without mechanically destroying the raw material. The cell walls remain largely intact, while only targeted permeability changes occur.
Improved downstream processability
Following PEF treatment, the palm fruit structure becomes softer and more permeable. By facilitating the movement of fluids within the fruit and improving oil accessibility, pulsed electric field processing can contribute to increased efficiency in subsequent stages.
Process integration and control
As fruit bunches move continuously through the pulsed electric field processing zone, the system regulates the electrode pulse settings to deliver the appropriate level of electroporation. Treatment parameters can be adjusted in real time according to variations in raw material characteristics and production requirements, helping maintain consistent performance as fruit quality and ripeness vary.
FAQs
What is pulsed electric field (PEF) technology?
Pulsed electric field processing is a non-thermal process that uses short, controlled high-voltage electrical pulses to increase the permeability of plant cell membranes. In palm oil processing, this PEF technology helps release oil more effectively before sterilization and pressing.
Has the Alfa Laval Pulsed Electric Field System been demonstrated at industrial scale?
Yes. PEF technology has been used in continuous, industrial-scale food processing applications. Alfa Laval is collaborating with Elea Technology GmbH, a global leader in industrial PEF systems, combining Elea’s pulsed electric field processing expertise with Alfa Laval’s process knowledge to apply the technology to palm oil processing.
Industrial-scale operation of the Alfa Laval Pulsed Electric Field System in Malaysia has demonstrated up to 2% higher crude palm oil (CPO) extraction rates and up to 10% higher oil yield compared with baseline conditions.
What impact can PEF have on mill throughput?
PEF can help palm oil mills increase CPO extraction and yield, reduce sterilization time and steam demand, improve CPO quality, increase throughput, reduce equipment wear and lower operating costs.
How does PEF improve palm oil extraction?
PEF creates microscopic pores in plant cell membranes through a process called electroporation. This makes the fruit structure more permeable, helping release more crude palm oil during subsequent sterilization and pressing. The result can lead to higher CPO extraction rates and oil yields.
Can PEF improve palm fruit detachment?
Yes. Pulsed electric field processing weakens the tissue structure at the fruit attachment point, helping palm fruits detach more easily from fresh fruit bunches. This can support efficient processing even at shorter sterilization times.
Can PEF reduce sterilization time and energy consumption?
Yes. PEF treatment increases the permeability of plant cell membranes before sterilization, helping release more crude palm oil effectively during subsequent processing. Increased cell permeability can shorten sterilization cycles, reduce steam demand and energy consumption. Shorter sterilization cycles help preserve sensitive product qualities such as colour and nutritional value, supporting CPO quality.
Can pulsed electric field processing increase palm oil mill throughput?
Yes. Shorter sterilization times can free up processing capacity, allowing mills to increase throughput and use existing equipment more effectively.
Does PEF improve crude palm oil extraction and refining performance?
PEF can improve CPO quality by lowering free fatty acid (FFA) levels and improving bleachability. Higher-quality CPO can improve downstream refining performance, increase refining yields, reduce oil losses, and lower bleaching earth consumption.
Can PEF manage variations in fruit ripeness and crop quality?
Yes. Operators can adjust treatment conditions based on raw material quality and production requirements. This flexibility can help maintain consistent process performance despite variations in fruit ripeness and crop quality.
How much maintenance does a PEF system require?
The Alfa Laval Pulsed Electric Field System is a solid-state, non-thermal process designed for reliable, low-maintenance operation.