Determination Of Free Fatty Acid Levels (ALB) From Crude Palm Oil (CPO) Using The Alkalimetric Titration Method In A Truck Tank At PT. AGRO NUSANTARA FACILITIES

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Determination of Free Fatty Acid Levels (ALB) from Crude Palm Oil (CPO) using the Alkalimetric Titration Method in a Truck Tank at PT. AGRO NUSANTARA FACILITIES

Introduction

The quality of Crude Palm Oil (CPO) produced by PT. Nusantara plantations is of utmost importance, as it directly affects the selling value and shelf life of the final product. One of the key parameters that determine the quality of CPO is the level of free fatty acids (ALB). In this study, we aimed to determine the levels of free fatty acids in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations using the alkalimetric titration method. This method involves the use of 0.1 N KOH solution as a titrant, with phenolphthalein indicators, and N-hexana mixtures and ethanol as solvents.

Methodology

The alkalimetric titration method was used to determine the levels of free fatty acids in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations. The test was conducted on truck tanks that transport CPOs from several plantation locations, namely PTPN III Rambutan, PTPN III Sei Mangke, PTPN III Sei Silau, PTPN IV P. Raja, and PTPN IV Ajamu. The test results were obtained by titrating the CPO sample with 0.1 N KOH solution, using phenolphthalein indicators, and N-hexana mixtures and ethanol as solvents.

Results

The levels of free fatty acids found in each location are as follows:

  • PTPN III Rambutan: 3.09%
  • PTPN III Sei Mangke: 4.30%
  • PTPN III Sei Silau: 5%
  • PTPN IV P. Raja: 3.58%
  • PTPN IV Ajamu: 3.95%

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that the levels of free fatty acids in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations range from 3.09% to 5%. These results are within the quality standards set by PT Sarana Agro Nusantara, which is the maximum limit of ALB level of 5%. The levels of free fatty acids are an important parameter that affects the quality and selling value of CPO. Free fatty acids that are too high can cause damage to the final product, reduce the shelf life, and increase processing costs.

Conclusion

The use of alkalimetric titration methods has proven effective in determining ALB levels, because this technique is relatively simple and can be done in the field with equipment that is not too complicated. Thus, PT Sarana Agro Nusantara can routinely supervise and ensure the resulting CPO products still meet the established quality standards, so that they can compete in the international market. Through testing conducted, PT Sarana Agro Nusantara not only increases customer confidence, but also contributes to the sustainability of the palm oil industry in Indonesia. By complying with applicable standards, the company shows its commitment in providing high-quality products while maintaining the sustainability of natural resources.

Importance of Free Fatty Acid Levels

Free fatty acid levels are an important parameter that affects the quality and selling value of CPO. Free fatty acids that are too high can cause damage to the final product, reduce the shelf life, and increase processing costs. Therefore, periodic monitoring of ALB levels is needed to maintain the quality of CPO and meet established standards.

Benefits of Alkalimetric Titration Method

The use of alkalimetric titration methods has several benefits, including:

  • Relatively simple technique
  • Can be done in the field with equipment that is not too complicated
  • Effective in determining ALB levels
  • Can be used to monitor the quality of CPO

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of alkalimetric titration methods has proven effective in determining ALB levels in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations. The results of this study indicate that the levels of free fatty acids in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations range from 3.09% to 5%. These results are within the quality standards set by PT Sarana Agro Nusantara, which is the maximum limit of ALB level of 5%. The use of alkalimetric titration methods has several benefits, including relatively simple technique, can be done in the field with equipment that is not too complicated, effective in determining ALB levels, and can be used to monitor the quality of CPO.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • PT Sarana Agro Nusantara should continue to use the alkalimetric titration method to determine ALB levels in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations.
  • The company should also continue to monitor the quality of CPO and ensure that it meets the established standards.
  • The use of alkalimetric titration methods should be promoted as a simple and effective technique for determining ALB levels in CPO.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

  • Investigating the effects of different factors on ALB levels in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations.
  • Developing new methods for determining ALB levels in CPO.
  • Investigating the use of alkalimetric titration methods in other industries.

Limitations of the Study

The limitations of this study include:

  • The study was conducted on a limited number of samples.
  • The study did not investigate the effects of different factors on ALB levels in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations.
  • The study did not develop new methods for determining ALB levels in CPO.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of alkalimetric titration methods has proven effective in determining ALB levels in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations. The results of this study indicate that the levels of free fatty acids in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations range from 3.09% to 5%. These results are within the quality standards set by PT Sarana Agro Nusantara, which is the maximum limit of ALB level of 5%. The use of alkalimetric titration methods has several benefits, including relatively simple technique, can be done in the field with equipment that is not too complicated, effective in determining ALB levels, and can be used to monitor the quality of CPO.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Determination of Free Fatty Acid Levels (ALB) from Crude Palm Oil (CPO) using the Alkalimetric Titration Method

Q: What is the importance of determining free fatty acid levels (ALB) in Crude Palm Oil (CPO)?

A: Free fatty acid levels (ALB) are an important parameter that affects the quality and selling value of CPO. Free fatty acids that are too high can cause damage to the final product, reduce the shelf life, and increase processing costs.

Q: What is the alkalimetric titration method, and how is it used to determine ALB levels in CPO?

A: The alkalimetric titration method is a technique used to determine the levels of free fatty acids in CPO. It involves the use of 0.1 N KOH solution as a titrant, with phenolphthalein indicators, and N-hexana mixtures and ethanol as solvents.

Q: What are the benefits of using the alkalimetric titration method to determine ALB levels in CPO?

A: The use of alkalimetric titration methods has several benefits, including:

  • Relatively simple technique
  • Can be done in the field with equipment that is not too complicated
  • Effective in determining ALB levels
  • Can be used to monitor the quality of CPO

Q: What are the limitations of the alkalimetric titration method?

A: The limitations of the alkalimetric titration method include:

  • The study was conducted on a limited number of samples
  • The study did not investigate the effects of different factors on ALB levels in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations
  • The study did not develop new methods for determining ALB levels in CPO

Q: What are the recommendations for future research directions?

A: Future research directions include:

  • Investigating the effects of different factors on ALB levels in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations
  • Developing new methods for determining ALB levels in CPO
  • Investigating the use of alkalimetric titration methods in other industries

Q: What are the implications of the study for the palm oil industry?

A: The study has several implications for the palm oil industry, including:

  • The use of alkalimetric titration methods can be used to monitor the quality of CPO and ensure that it meets the established standards
  • The study highlights the importance of determining ALB levels in CPO and the need for periodic monitoring
  • The study suggests that the use of alkalimetric titration methods can be promoted as a simple and effective technique for determining ALB levels in CPO

Q: What are the future prospects for the use of alkalimetric titration methods in the palm oil industry?

A: The future prospects for the use of alkalimetric titration methods in the palm oil industry are promising, with the potential for:

  • Increased use of alkalimetric titration methods in the palm oil industry
  • Development of new methods for determining ALB levels in CPO
  • Investigation of the use of alkalimetric titration methods in other industries

Q: What are the conclusions of the study?

A: The study concludes that the use of alkalimetric titration methods has proven effective in determining ALB levels in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations. The results of the study indicate that the levels of free fatty acids in CPO produced by PT. Nusantara plantations range from 3.09% to 5%. These results are within the quality standards set by PT Sarana Agro Nusantara, which is the maximum limit of ALB level of 5%. The use of alkalimetric titration methods has several benefits, including relatively simple technique, can be done in the field with equipment that is not too complicated, effective in determining ALB levels, and can be used to monitor the quality of CPO.