Simulation on Heat Distribution During Thermal Hydrolysis of Triacylglycerols in Fruit Mesocarp

The palm oil industry is a major contributor to Malaysia’s economy. Crude palm oil (CPO) extraction involves the digestion of the palm fruit mesocarp where thermal hydrolysis of triacylglycerols (TAGs) is crucial for the oil yield and quality. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive 2D-asymmetric time-dependent model using COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate heat distribution during this process and investigate its impact on CPO extraction under varying steam temperatures within a time frame of 90 minutes. The temperatures of the steam applied are in the range of 90°C to 100°C. The model is validated against existing literature to ensure accuracy. Simulation results demonstrate a strong correlation between heat distribution and oil yield, providing valuable insights for process optimization. This research demonstrates the potential of advanced modelling techniques to drive sustainable efficient palm oil production practices.