Palm Kernel Shell and Expeller

Palm kernel shells (PKS) are frequently discarded as they are considered a byproduct of palm oil processing. However, there are numerous, applications for these shells.

Palm kernel shells contain many components beneficial for human use. Their composition includes elements such as ash content, moisture content, fixed carbon (often referred to potential activated carbon). They also possess other constituents valuable for human utilization.

Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE), also known as palm kernel cake, is a by-product of palm kernel oil extraction, obtained after mechanical pressing of palm kernels. Rich in protein and fiber, PKE is a premium feed ingredient for livestock, particularly cattle and poultry, widely used in the animal feed industry across Asia, Oceania, and Europe.

What Are Palm Kernel Shells?

The palm oil business is currently regarded as highly profitable due to its excellent opportunities and significant profit margins. This profitability comes from stems not only from the benefits of palm oil itself but also from the potential uses of its by products, including palm kernel shells.

Palm kernel shells are the hard outer coverings of palm fruit kernels. These shells contain various valuable components. The most significant is their high volatile matter content, which ranges from approximately 69-70%.

Palm kernel shells can be easily utilized for applications such as combustion. Another major component in palm kernel shells is fixed carbon, accounting for 20-22% of their composition. This is followed by moisture content at 7-8% and ash content at a mere 2-3%. With this composition, palm kernel shells offer diverse benefits. Therefore, palm oil entrepreneurs can explore developing these shells for alternative applications.

Uses of Palm Kernel Shells

Palm kernel shells have a surprisingly wide range of applications beneficial to humans, owing to their inherent composition. Rather than being discarded and contributing to waste accumulation, they can be repurposed to meet various needs.

Here are some notable uses of palm kernel shells:

Raw Material for Charcoal

The primary benefit of this palm oil waste is its suitability as a raw material for charcoal. Charcoal produced from palm kernel shells is of high quality because it can conduct heat rapidly. Palm kernel shells contain lignocellulose, with a heat energy output of 20,093 kJ/kg. This high energy value makes them an excellent heat conductor and combustion medium. Furthermore, compared to wood-based charcoal, PKS charcoal is more environmentally friendly, causing less air pollution.

Boiler Fuel

Palm kernel shells can be used as fuel for boilers. The operational principle involves converting these shells into steam to power machinery. This fuel is applicable for running steam-based engines or boilers. As previously mentioned, palm kernel shells efficiently conduct heat. Consequently, the energy generated for boilers is hotter, producing more steam. This application can enhance a company’s production efficiency. It positions PKS as an alternative energy source, reducing reliance on petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Moreover, using PKS as boiler fuel is more economical, as companies can avoid significant expenditure on boiler heating, instead utilizing readily available palm oil waste, often at a very low cost.

Animal Feed Additive

Another use for palm kernel shells is as an additive in animal feed. However, not all parts of the shell are suitable for this purpose; typically, the softer, outer part of the kernel (after oil extraction, often mixed with some shell fragments) is used. Interestingly, research indicates that a combination of the palm kernel cake and shell fragments contains elements that can accelerate the metabolism and development of livestock such as cattle, goats, ducks, chickens, or farmed fish. Despite the benefits of PKS for livestock, it is crucial to adhere to proper procedures for mixing this feed additive in correct proportions.

Road Hardening Material

The hard physical nature of palm kernel shells lends them to another application: as a road hardening material. While asphalt is commonly used, palm kernel shells offer a novel alternative. The primary advantage of using PKS for road applications is its significantly lower cost, leading to reduced expenditure. In terms of quality, PKS also performs well as a road base material.

Pellet Production (High-Energy Density Biomass)

Lastly, palm kernel shells can be processed into pellets. This process enhances the calorific value of the palm shells, making it comparable to anthracite coal.

HS Code: 23066000

What are Palm Kernel Expeller?

Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) is produced during the extraction of palm kernel oil from the kernels of oil palm fruits (Elaeis guineensis). After the kernels are separated from the palm fruit, they undergo mechanical pressing to extract the oil, leaving behind a solid residue known as PKE. This residue is rich in crude protein (14-16%), crude fiber (15-18%), and residual oil (5-8%), making it an excellent feed ingredient. PKE is typically processed into granules or pellets to enhance handling and storage. It is free from chemical solvents, ensuring it is a natural and safe product for animal consumption. In Indonesia, PKE is a key by-product of the palm oil industry, contributing to the circular economy by repurposing waste into valuable feed resources.

Uses of Palm Kernel Expeller

Palm Kernel Expeller is a versatile product with multiple applications in agriculture and animal husbandry:

Animal Feed: PKE is primarily used as a feed ingredient for ruminants, such as dairy and beef cattle, due to its high fiber and protein content, which supports digestion and growth. It is also used in poultry and swine feed formulations to supplement protein and energy requirements.
Aquaculture: PKE serves as a cost-effective feed component for fish and shrimp, providing essential nutrients for growth in aquaculture systems.
Organic Fertilizer: In agricultural applications, PKE can be used as an organic fertilizer or soil amendment, enriching soil with nutrients and organic matter to improve crop yields.
Biomass Fuel (Secondary Use): In some cases, PKE is used as a low-grade biomass fuel in industrial boilers, though this is less common due to its primary value as feed.

HS Code: 23066001

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This comprehensive explanation outlines the various uses of palm kernel shells and expeller that can be applied to meet human needs. For inquiries, please contact us at your earliest convenience.