Pilot-scale sterilization of loose oil palm fruits using a new integrated microwave-steam system

The innovative integrated microwave-steam sterilization method was developed to produce crude palm oil of excellent quality using low quality loose oil palm fruits. The technique involves enclosing the oil palm fruits under microwave irradiation, trapping the steam exiting the fruits due to vaporization, and using the steam to heat the same fruits, thereby enhancing the overall sterilization process. Moreover, a practical approach was developed to maximize process productivity and microwave absorbance by stacking oil palm fruits tightly in dielectric layers. The technique helped increased productivity, significant cost savings, and boosted oil value to facilitate post-processing in palm oil mills.