What is the difference between palm fruit oil pressing and palm kernel oil pressing equipment?

QIE

2025-09-05

Product Comparison

Learn about the differences between palm fruit oil extraction equipment and palm kernel oil extraction equipment in terms of function, raw materials, and processes. QIE Group provides complete palm oil processing line solutions, achieving high oil yield, low costs, and long-term profitability.

Are you planning to build a palm oil processing plant but unsure whether to choose a palm fruit oil extraction machine or a palm kernel oil extraction machine ? Choosing the wrong model can not only increase investment costs but also reduce production capacity and profits. In fact, there are significant differences between these two types of equipment in terms of their functional applications, applicable raw materials, and processing techniques.

We will combine industry practices to analyze the differences between the two in detail for you and provide professional equipment selection solutions.

Different functional uses

Palm fruit oil pressing equipment : used to extract crude palm oil (CPO) from the fruit pulp, mainly entering the edible oil market.

Palm fruit oil press, used to extract crude palm oil

Palm kernel oil pressing equipment : used to extract palm kernel oil (PKO) from palm kernels, which is widely used in cosmetics, daily chemical products and industrial raw materials.

Palm kernel oil extraction machine, suitable for palm kernel processing plants

Raw material differences

Palm fruit oil pressing equipment : It processes the whole palm fruit including pulp, fiber and kernel, and the raw material composition is complex.
Palm kernel oil pressing equipment : It processes separated palm kernels, and the raw materials are relatively simple.

Process and equipment comparison

Palm fruit oil extraction technology and equipment

Sterilization : Vertical sterilization tank, high temperature steam treatment to prevent oil rancidity.
Fruit threshing : Fruit threshing machine separates palm fruits from empty fruit bunches.
Cooking and pressing : The palm oil is softened in the cooker and then the crude palm oil is extracted in the twin-screw oil press.
Separation and clarification : suspended vibrating screen, clarification tank, centrifuge, vacuum dryer, etc. to remove impurities and moisture.

Palm kernel oil extraction technology and equipment

Kernel and core separation : Crushed cake conveyor, air duct system, and defibrator separate the fibers from the kernel.
Shelling and kernel-shell separation : Shelling machine is combined with air separation or water separation system to achieve efficient separation of kernel and shell.
Drying : Palm kernel dryer reduces moisture to below 8% for easy storage and pressing.
Pressing : After crushing, flaking, steaming and frying, the palm kernel oil is squeezed out by the oil press.

Palm fruit vs. palm kernel oil extraction equipment comparison table

To help you quickly understand the difference between palm fruit oil pressing equipment and palm kernel oil pressing equipment, we have compiled the following comparison table:

Comparison Dimension	Palm fruit oil pressing equipment	Palm kernel oil pressing equipment
Main functions	Extraction of crude palm oil (CPO) for edible oil processing	Extraction of palm kernel oil (PKO), used in cosmetics, daily chemicals and industrial raw materials
Applicable raw materials	Whole palm fruit (pulp + fiber + kernel), complex raw materials	Separated palm kernels, single raw material, need to be shelled and dried
Key processes	Sterilization → De-fruiting → Steaming → Pressing → Clarification and separation	Kernel and core separation → Shelling → Kernel and shell separation → Drying → Pressing
core equipment	Vertical sterilization tank, fruit thresher, digester, twin-screw oil press, clarifier, centrifuge, vacuum dryer	Defibering machine, shelling machine, air duct/water selection system, kernel dryer, oil press
Final Product	Crude palm oil (CPO), mainly used in the edible oil market	Palm kernel oil (PKO), used in daily chemicals, medicine and industry
Applicable Customers	Edible oil processing plants, food industry investors	Cosmetic raw material suppliers, industrial oil processing plants

How to choose the right equipment?

Targeting edible oil → Choose palm fruit oil extraction equipment.
Targeting cosmetics or industrial raw materials → Choose palm kernel oil extraction equipment.
Large factories → It is recommended to configure two production lines at the same time to achieve comprehensive utilization of palm fruits and palm kernels and improve economic benefits.

Palm fruit oil extraction equipment and palm kernel oil extraction equipment are both essential parts of palm oil production, but they differ significantly in function, raw materials, and processes. Choosing the right equipment for your needs will ensure a more cost-effective investment and more efficient production.

If you are planning to build a palm oil processing plant, please contact us. We can provide you with a complete palm oil production line and equipment solution.