While processing crude coconut oil to RBDCNO early February recently, there was some problem. The problem which was not realized by me is that the temperature control was slightly too high. Normally we should control the deodorization temperature between 240 - 245oC. However, the temperature when beyond that, about 246-249oC. As a result, in the pack column, where we are supposed to strip coconut fatty acid distillate (CFAD) via vacuum, some of the refined and bleached coconut oil escape together with the CFAD. Later, we realized that our CFAD tonnage is twice higher than what is normally achieved. That is not supposed to happen, but it does reflect that we are losing some of the refined bleached deodorized coconut oil (RBDCNO).
The price of RBDCNO is far expansive than CFAD. Assuming we lost 20 tonnes of RBDCNO which flows and mixed together with CFAD, and assuming the cost difference between RBDCNO and CFAD is about RM1500/MT; therefore 20 tonnes x RM1500/MT = RM20,000.00 lost worth of RBDCNO. Sadly speaking, that happen just because the temperature control was not within the designated range. Coconut oil easily break off at temperature's more than 246oC, unlike palm oil which can withstand temperature up to 270oC.
Morale of the story, some guidance or working instruction was prepared to be followed. During work/plant operation, we should follow the designated process parameters so that we can achieve our target quality and production.
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