Purification of Palm Oil by Using Hollow Fiber Membrane

Characterization of modified polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes were carried out in order to purify Palm Oil. Effect of membrane morphology on the separation performances of palm oil was investigated. The modiefied polyethersulfone hollow fiber membrane was commercially availbale membrane prepared from the system of polyethersulfone/N-methylpirrolidone/polyvinilpyrrolidone, and polyethersulfone/N-methylpirrolidone/Tetronic 1307. Scanning electron microscopy results show that the modified membranes has macrovoids structure larger than the original poliethersulfone membrane. The hydrophilicity property was also increased by addition of polymeric additive to the membrane system. The maximum flux of palm oil reached to 0.47 L/m(2). hr. atm obtained from the experimenttal condition as applied pressure of 2.0 kg. cm2, by using membran polyethersulfone/N-methylpirrolidone/polyvinylpirrolidone.