Design, Development and Performance Evaluation of an Improved Palm Kernel Oil (PKO) Expeller

A palm kernel oil expeller was designed and developed for efficient and effective separation of palm kernel oil and kernel cake respectively. It was designed and developed to remove drudgery and increase oil recovery efficiency and in turn increase the quality of the palm kernel cake which is used as feed for animals. For optimal operation and performance of the machine, material selection was an integral part of the design process, a careful selection of materials was given priority attention. The machine's components, including the hopper, expelling chamber, shaft, and adjustable choke mechanism, underwent design and development processes involving techniques like cutting, welding, drilling, bending, and boring. Powered by a 20hp electric motor, the machine boasts a nominal input capacity of around 380kg/hr.The regulation of clearance between the barrel and the adjustable cone (choke mechanism) plays a crucial role in controlling the thickness and dryness of the pressed cake. Leveraging this choke mechanism allows for an extraction efficiency of approximately 95%. Notably, the machine's design facilitates the processing of cold palm kernel seeds without the need for pre-treatment.The breaking and cooking operations are seamlessly executed by the screw shaft within the barrel of the unit, showcasing the machine's efficiency in handling palm kernel seeds throughout the processing stages.The machine is simple and can easily be operated and maintained by rural farmers.