Journal of Oil Palm Research Vol. 30 (3) September 2018, p. 351-365

SCALE DEPOSITS FROM PALM OIL MILL EFFLUENT (POME) TREATMENT AND VARIOUS OTHER INDUSTRIES: A DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW –Review Article

MUZZAMMIL, N*; MOHAMMED SAEDI, J**; MOHD RUSHDI, A B‡; VIJAYA, S* and LOH, S K*

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21894/jopr.2018.0017
Published Online: 16 July 2018
ABSTRACT

The palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment process is exposed to the formation of crystal-like deposits where their accumulation could create a significant threat to achieving an efficient POME treatment. This article reviewed similar occurrences in other industries, discussed factors influencing the crystal formation and suggested possible solutions to be applied in the oil palm industry. From the review, it was found that crystal deposits have always been a nuisance and sometimes a significant threat to similar industries such as industrial, agricultural and municipal wastewater treatment facilities. Other industries where there is a handling process of certain type of fluids such as heat transfer and oil reservoir drilling fluids also faces similar problems. The article also presented the spectrum of methods for mitigation and removal of the crystal formed. For many cases, nutrient recovery through struvite precipitation has become attractive as it not only reduces crystal growth but at the same time prevents excessive nutrients discharge to the environment. Further exploitation of the recovered struvite as a fertiliser source could possibly generate additional income to the oil palm industry.

KEYWORDS:


* Malaysian Palm Oil Board, 6 Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.
E-mail: muzammil@mpob.gov.my

** Kuliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University of Malaysia, P.O. Box 10, 50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

‡ Kuliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University of Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.