PENGARUH SUHU DAN WAKTU PADA SIMULASI PEMANASAN INTI SAWIT TERHADAP MUTU INTI SAWIT DI PABRIK KELAPA SAWIT EAGLE HIGH PLANTATIONS MILL

Palm oil mills also produce palm kernels, the quality of which is influenced by moisture content and free fatty acid (FFA) content. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal temperature and heating time for palm kernels to ensure their quality. This study was conducted because the PT Eagle High Plantations Mill palm oil mill does not yet have a temperature control system in the kernel silo; therefore, this study aims to determine the optimal temperature and heating time for palm kernel heating and to improve worker efficiency. This study used a completely randomized design with two factors: Factor I, heating temperature (60°C, 75°C, 90°C); and Factor II, palm kernel heating time (3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours). The parameters analyzed included moisture content, oil content, and free fatty acid content. Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a significance level of α = 5%. The results showed that the combination of temperature and heating time that produced the best level of palm kernel maturity was treatment S1W3 (temperature 60°C and time 5 hours), with a moisture content of 7.52%, oil content of 48%, and free fatty acid content of
0.29%.