Optimized utilization of spent bleaching earth to enhance economic performance of integrated biodiesel-cooking oil plants

Abstract

Spent bleaching earth (SBE) waste generated from crude palm oil (CPO) processing companies is constantly increasing as the demand for the oleo product is rising worldwide. This study aims to assess oil recovery from SBE using two process options to be implemented in a cooking oil plant in Sei Mangkei, North Sumatra. A techno-economic simulation was conducted to assess the feasibility of the two scenarios. The first scenario of the oil recovery plant from SBE was proposed without bleaching earth (BE) recovery. The second scenario proposed both oil and BE recovery. The research results showed that both scenarios were feasible, with scenario 2 having slightly better economic parameters. The SBE volume processed by the company was far more significant in affecting the feasibility of SBE reutilization. According to the techno-economic calculations, in scenario 1, the internal rate of return (IRR) was 23.56 %, the net present value (NPV) was USD 2.6 million, and the payback period was 3.9 years. Scenario 2 exhibited an IRR of 25.21 %, an NPV of USD 3.375 million, and a return time of 3.7 years.