Crude Palm Oil

About This Product

Crude palm oil is pressed from the mesocarp of the fruit of Elaeis guineensis and supplied unrefined, deep orange from its carotene content, with free fatty acid typically in the 3 to 5 percent range. It carries CAS number 8002-75-3. For fuel manufacture the crude grade is normally preferred over refined, since refining removes value the process does not need. Its fatty acid profile drives its fuel properties in two opposite directions. Palmitic acid at roughly 44 percent means a high proportion of saturated, straight chains, which gives palm biodiesel a cetane number around 60 to 62, among the highest of any FAME, and very good oxidation stability because there are few double bonds to attack. The same saturation is what causes its cold-flow problem: those straight chains crystallise readily, so palm FAME has a cloud point around 13 to 16 degrees Celsius and will gel in temperate winter conditions unless blended or treated. Free fatty acid content also matters at the plant: above roughly 2 percent, alkali transesterification saponifies and the catalyst is consumed, so crude grades generally need acid esterification or pretreatment first. It is used for FAME biodiesel, hydrotreated renewable diesel and HEFA sustainable aviation fuel, and as oleochemical feedstock. Bio Green Fuels supplies crude palm oil to specification on free fatty acid, moisture and impurities, iodine value and colour, with ISCC and RSPO certification available.