China leading palm oil mill plant machine manufacturer and supplier

Although palm kernel oil and palm oil both originate from the oil palm tree, they differ significantly in raw material source, processing technology, component characteristics, and application areas, representing two completely different oil extraction production lines. The specific differences are as follows:

I. Different Raw Material Sources

* Palm Oil: The raw material is the pulp of the oil palm fruit. The outer orange-red pulp has an oil content as high as 50%-60%. Pressing fresh pulp yields red crude palm oil.

* Palm Kernel Oil: The raw material is the kernel of the oil palm fruit. The kernel must be shelled and separated from the fruit before obtaining the palm kernel. Its oil content is 45%-50%, far lower than that of the pulp.

II. Different Processing Technologies and Equipment

The pretreatment and pressing processes of the two are significantly different, and the required equipment is not interchangeable:

Processes: Palm Oil Pressing Process Palm Kernel Oil Pressing Process

Pretreatment: Palm fruit bunches → Sterilization (sterilization tank) → Fruit removal (fruit removal machine) → Crushing (crushing tank) Fiber & kernel mixture → Fiber separation → Kernel and shell separation → Crushing (crusher) → Steaming and roasting (steaming and roasting pan)

Pressing Equipment: Dedicated double-helix palm oil press (must protect the kernel integrity) Palm kernel oil press (suitable for pressing after kernel crushing)

Post-processing: Clarification + vacuum drying (removal of impurities and moisture) Plate and frame filtration (purification of crude oil)

III. Different Oil Composition and Physical Properties

Composition Differences: Palm oil is rich in palmitic acid and oleic acid, with saturated fatty acids accounting for about 50%, and a balanced ratio of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids;

Palm kernel oil is rich in lauric acid, with saturated fatty acids accounting for over 80%, and its composition is more similar to coconut oil.

Physical Properties

Appearance: Crude palm oil is reddish-brown, turning golden yellow after refining; crude palm kernel oil is pale yellow, becoming clear and transparent after refining.

Melting Point: Palm oil has a melting point of 33-39℃ and is highly heat-resistant; palm kernel oil has a melting point of 25-30℃ and is more likely to be semi-solid at room temperature.

Odor: Palm oil has a unique fruity aroma, while palm kernel oil has a mild odor.

IV. Different Application Areas

Palm Oil: Due to its good heat resistance and stability, it is mainly used in the food industry, such as frying oil (instant noodles, fried chicken), baked goods, and margarine. It is also used in smaller quantities in soap making and the chemical industry.

Palm Kernel Oil: Due to its mild taste and low melting point, in addition to its use in ice cream, candy coatings, and baked goods, it is widely used in cosmetics and skincare products (such as face creams and soaps). Its fractionated product, palm kernel stearin, can also be used as a cocoa butter substitute.

Hutai Group is a leading provider of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions for the Palm Oil Processing Equipment, Rice Mill Plant Project. Full turnkey management of the project from cost projections and modelling to installation and commissioning.