RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LASER-INDUCED FLUORESCENCE INTENSITY AND CRUDE PALM OIL QUALITY

Crude palm oil quality is an important consideration in the production of refined palm oil of consistent high quality. The quality of crude palm oil is determined by the analysis of oxidative and hydrolytic parameters such as peroxide value, anisidine value, free fatty acid content and moisture and impurities, all very time consuming and counter-productive for both crude palm oil mills and refineries to carry out. This study shows that laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) analysis can be used as an alternative to analysing all the common oxidative and hydrolytic parameters mentioned. LIF at 673 nm was indicative of the oxidative quality of crude palm oil. There was also positive correlation between fluorescence intensity and the carotene and the deterioration of bleachability index of crude palm oil, and the Rancimat induction time of the final refined product.