Bensin Sawit (Bensa)

Summary

This video discusses the development of palm oil-based fuel technology, highlighting research efforts since 1982. The process involves converting palm oil into gasoline, kerosene, and diesel using a cracking method with catalysts at high temperatures. The project, supported by BPDKS since 2018, has progressed from lab-scale to a pilot production of 1000 liters per day. The team continues to optimize catalysts and process efficiency to make the technology more economical. The initiative aims to empower palm oil farmers, improve national energy security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Takeaways

• 🔬 The research on converting palm oil into biofuel began in 1982, focusing on producing gasoline, kerosene, and diesel from stearin.
• 🛢️ Palm-based gasoline is produced through a cracking process, breaking down palm oil into fatty acids like oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic acid under high temperature (500°C) and pressure (1 atmosphere).
• 🏭 A palm oil-based gasoline production unit with a capacity of 1,000 liters per day was built in collaboration with industrial partners.
• ⛽ The conversion process from palm oil to gasoline heavily depends on catalysts, which significantly accelerate chemical reactions.
• 🔧 The team has developed catalysts for palm oil cracking and continues to refine them, now reaching the fourth generation of these catalysts.
• 📈 The palm gasoline development progressed from lab-scale experiments to producing 1 liter per day, 10 liters per day, and eventually 1,000 liters per day at the pilot scale.
• 💡 Challenges faced include optimizing energy efficiency and overcoming reaction performance issues in the large-scale production of palm-based gasoline.
• 🚜 The research aims to develop affordable steam engines for small-scale palm oil farmers to improve access to processing equipment and enhance economic viability.
• 🌱 The initiative supports small farmers through palm tree replanting programs, boosting the quality and productivity of palm fruits while promoting sustainable farming practices.
• 🌍 By utilizing the stearin fraction for fuel and other fractions for high-value edible oil, the research aims to make palm oil-based gasoline more affordable and accessible, enhancing energy security and supporting the livelihoods of palm oil farmers.

Q & A

What was the main focus of the research discussed in the video?

The main focus of the research was the development and production of palm oil-based gasoline, which involves converting palm oil into a biofuel that can be used as gasoline.

When did the research on converting palm oil into biofuel begin?

The research on converting palm oil into biofuel began in 1982, with efforts to convert stearin into biofuel products such as gasoline, kerosene, and diesel oil.

What role did BPDPKS play in this research?

BPDPKS supported the research starting in 2018 by providing funding to help develop the technology for producing palm oil gasoline on a pilot scale.

What process is used to produce palm oil gasoline?

Palm oil gasoline is produced through a process called cracking, where palm oil, consisting of triglycerides and fatty acids, is fed into a reactor containing a catalyst at 500 degrees Celsius and one atmosphere of pressure.

What are the main components of palm oil used in the cracking process?

The main components of palm oil used in the cracking process include triglycerides, oleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid.

What is the capacity of the palm oil gasoline production unit mentioned in the video?

The palm oil gasoline production unit has a capacity of 1,000 liters per day.

Why is the development of catalysts important in the production process?

Catalysts are crucial in the production process because they can accelerate reactions by billions or even trillions of times, directing the process toward the desired product. The research team has been continuously developing and improving catalysts for this purpose.

What are the challenges faced during the production of palm oil gasoline on a larger scale?

The main challenges faced during larger-scale production include optimizing the reaction performance and energy integration to improve the process's economic viability.

How can this palm oil gasoline technology benefit farmers?

The technology can benefit farmers by allowing them to process their palm fruit into oil, which can increase their income and improve their living standards. Smaller production units will be more affordable for farmers to access.

What are the future plans for the development of palm oil gasoline technology?

The future plans include using the stearin fraction of palm oil as a raw material for gasoline production while processing other fractions into higher-value edible oils. This approach aims to make palm oil gasoline more affordable and accessible to the public.