Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Determination of Optimal Dura/Tenera Ratio Required in a Modified Palm Oil and Kernel Extraction Process Using Linear Programming Technique
by Nwankwojike, B. Nduka

Abstract:
This study used Linear Programming technique to determine the ratio of dura to tenera palm fruits required for optimal performance of oil palm sector and other sectors that depends on it. The investigation was based on a latest modified mechanical palm fruit processing method involving separation of digested fruit mash into palm nut and pulp before pressing of the digested pulp for palm oil extraction. Contrary to the general view that tenera production is best for commercial purpose, this optimization result revealed 23:20 as the optimal dura/tenera ratio required in this sector. The result also indicated a profit of $0.41 from processing of dura and tenera palm fruits in this ratio over processing of the same quantity (1000kg fresh fruit) of tenera alone. In addition to this profits improvement, implementation of this fruit production ratio in this sector will also raise the availability of palm kernel oil and cake to rally with their ever increasing industrial applications without significant effect in the palm oil and total oil production, thereby reducing the bottleneck of raw material availability facing palm kernel dependent industries.

Keywords: linear programming, modified palm fruit processing method, oil palm fruit, optimal dura/tenera ratio, palm kernel

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