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Implementation Case Study: Betagard 9700 Enzyme Technology for FFA Reduction at Palm Oil Mill

PAC Storage Tank Beta Pramesti Asia

Industry

Agro Industry

Challenge

A palm oil mill experienced persistently high free fatty acid (FFA) levels in crude palm oil (CPO) due to inconsistent fruit quality, prolonged storage durations, elevated natural lipase activity, microbiological contamination, and unstable storage temperature and moisture. These factors led to an FFA content exceeding 5%, which in turn caused a reduction of up to 40–50% in CPO sale price, increased refining chemical consumption, darker oil color, and a heightened risk of product rejection by downstream buyers. The resulting financial impact was severe, with monthly losses surpassing Rp 1 billion due to oil loss, high alkali usage, and downgraded oil grades. Addressing this issue was critical for maintaining operational profitability and meeting industry quality standards.

Results

After the deployment of Betagard 9700 enzyme technology, the palm oil mill achieved a reduction in FFA to below 5%, leading to improved oil brightness (DOBI), lower moisture content, and stable iodine values (IV). Analytical testing confirmed enhancements in oil quality metrics approaching food-grade standards. The implementation also resulted in significant operational cost savings, including reduced oil loss (Rp 825 million/month), lower alkali consumption (Rp 120 million/month), and increased product sale value (Rp 200 million/month), generating an overall ROI of 8–20 times the enzyme investment. Plant management reported marked improvements in process stability, oil quality, and refining efficiency.

Key Product

Product one

After using Betagard 9700 for several weeks, we observed a very significant reduction in FFA levels. The application process is simple, stable at our operating temperatures, and the results are consistent in every batch. In addition to the FFA reduction, our oil’s DOBI value increased, the color became brighter, and oil loss decreased substantially. This product has truly delivered an immediate economic impact to our mill.

David

Supervisor Produksi PKS

picture of an office, with a few people working at desks

About your Customer

PT Beta Pramesti Asia is a technology company specializing in enzyme-based solutions for the palm oil industry, focused on improving process efficiency, product quality, and profitability.

The Challenge

The palm oil mill was confronted with excessive free fatty acid (FFA) levels in its crude palm oil (CPO), primarily driven by variable incoming fruit quality, extended storage periods, high enzymatic hydrolysis, microbiological contamination, and inconsistent environmental storage conditions. These operational challenges led to FFA concentrations consistently above the 5% threshold, causing substantial financial penalties through reduced sale price, increased consumption of refining chemicals, compromised oil color and stability, and elevated risk of rejection from downstream refineries. The cumulative effect was significant recurring monthly losses, necessitating a robust and reliable solution to restore product quality and economic viability.

The Solution

The mill evaluated available options to address the FFA challenge, ultimately selecting Betagard 9700 enzyme technology from PT Beta Pramesti Asia due to its high effectiveness, low dosage requirements, and ability to deliver stable oil quality improvements without damaging the oil structure. The implementation process involved dispersing Betagard 9700 in water and applying it to the CPO under controlled agitation and temperature, as per the recommended standard operating procedure. Throughout the application, critical oil quality parameters were monitored to ensure compliance with industry standards. Plant management noted: "The improvement in quality is significant. The oil is more stable, brighter in color, and FFA levels dropped drastically. Refining costs are now much more efficient."

The Results

Following the adoption of Betagard 9700, the palm oil mill realized a marked reduction in FFA content to below 5%, aligning with quality and market requirements. Oil brightness (DOBI) improved, moisture levels decreased, and iodine value stability was achieved, indicating enhanced product quality. Operational metrics highlighted substantial savings, including approximately Rp 825 million per month in oil loss reduction, Rp 120 million per month in alkali cost savings, and an additional Rp 200 million per month from improved oil grade and sale value. The overall financial benefit exceeded Rp 1 billion per month, with a return on investment ranging from 8 to 20 times the enzyme cost, validating the effectiveness and economic impact of Betagard 9700 enzyme technology.

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