Boost Palm Oil Yield in the Rainy Season: 3 Proven Preprocessing Steps for South America

South American palm oil producers often face a frustrating challenge during the rainy season: high moisture content and increased impurities in fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) lead to inconsistent pressing efficiency and lower oil yields. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

By focusing on three critical preprocessing steps—cleaning optimization, crushing parameter tuning, and steam cooking temperature control—you can consistently improve oil extraction by over 10%, reduce waste, and adapt to extreme weather conditions without costly downtime.

Why Preprocessing Matters More Than You Think

Raw palm fruits from different regions vary significantly in composition:

As shown above, South American FFBs are notably wetter and more contaminated than those from other regions—a direct cause of poor press performance. This is where targeted preprocessing makes all the difference.

Step-by-Step Technical Guidance for Higher Yields

1. Optimize Cleaning Pressure & Duration: Use adjustable water jets at 3–4 bar pressure for 4–6 minutes to remove surface mud and loose fibers. In Brazil, one mill reduced clogging by 40% after switching from manual scrubbing to automated high-pressure cleaning.

2. Adjust Crusher Settings Based on Fruit Size: For rain-soaked fruits, use dual-stage crushing with coarse-to-fine screens (e.g., 10mm → 3mm). A finer second pass increases cell rupture rate, boosting oil release. Test with a sample batch before full-scale implementation.

3. Control Steam Cooking Curve Precisely: Maintain 100–110°C for 30–45 minutes. Too hot? You risk protein denaturation; too cold? Oil remains trapped in cells. Install a PID-controlled steam system—it’s worth the investment.

These aren't just theoretical improvements—they’ve been validated in real-world mills across South America. One case study from a Colombian facility reported a 12% increase in yield within two weeks of implementing these protocols.

Non-Standard Equipment = Real-World Resilience

When humidity exceeds 85%, standard steel components corrode quickly. Consider using 304 stainless steel for contact surfaces and installing automatic feedback systems that adjust water flow and heat based on incoming fruit quality. These small changes prevent breakdowns and maintain consistency—even when the rain won’t stop.

Quick Diagnostic Checklist for Common Issues

• Problem: Press output drops suddenly
  Check: Is the sieve clogged? Clean or replace immediately.
• Problem: Oil quality varies between batches
  Check: Was steam temperature consistent? Log data hourly.
• Problem: Excess fiber in cake
  Check: Are you using the right crushing ratio? Try 1:3 (coarse:fine).