Method for producing oil palm cut product

Abstract

A problem addressed by this invention is to provide a method for producing an oil palm cut product, with which it is possible to obtain an oil palm cut product that is easier to convey and less prone to putrefaction. This method for producing an oil palm cut product (1) includes a cutting step and a drying step. In the cutting step, the tree trunk (2) of the oil palm is cut to obtain a cut product (3). In the drying step, calcium oxide is supplied to the cut product (3), and the cut product (3) is dried, to obtain the oil palm cut product (1).

Description

Manufacturing method for oil palm cuttings

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for producing oil palm cuttings.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for producing compressed wood raw materials, which includes the steps of supplying an adhesive component to the wood raw materials, compressing the wood raw materials to squeeze out moisture contained in the wood raw materials, and curing or solidifying the adhesive component so that the compressed wood raw materials maintain their compressed state.

[0003] However, in the method for producing compressed wood raw materials described in Patent Document 1, moisture may remain in the compressed wood raw materials. This moisture contributes to an increase in the weight of the resulting compressed wood raw materials. Therefore, if moisture remains in the compressed wood raw materials, transportability is reduced compared to when no moisture remains. Furthermore, if moisture remains in the compressed wood raw materials, this moisture may cause the compressed wood raw materials to rot.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-182813

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for producing oil palm cuttings that can produce oil palm cuttings that are easy to transport and resistant to spoilage.

[0006] A method for producing oil palm shavings according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a cutting step, in which an oil palm trunk is cut to obtain the shavings, and a drying step, in which calcium oxide is supplied to the shavings and the shavings are dried to obtain the oil palm shavings.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a work vehicle for producing and transporting oil palm cuttings.

[0008] 1. Overview In order to solve the above-mentioned problems associated with the method for producing compressed wood raw materials described in Patent Document 1, the inventors conducted extensive research and developed the following method for producing oil palm cuttings 1.

[0009] That is, the manufacturing method of the oil palm cuttings 1 according to this embodiment includes a cutting process and a drying process.

[0010] In the cutting process, the oil palm trunk 2 is cut to obtain cuttings 3. This makes it easier to remove the moisture originally contained inside the trunk 2. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the cuttings 3 refers to a collection of cutting pieces. The cuttings 3 are closer to cutting chips than so-called crushed chips. Generally, crushed chips are small pieces obtained by crushing a wood raw material by hitting it with a hammer or the like, whereas cutting chips are small pieces obtained by cutting a wood raw material with a blade.

[0011] Furthermore, in the drying process, calcium oxide is supplied to the cuttings 3. If the volumes of the cuttings 3 and the trunk 2 are the same, the surface area of ​​the cuttings 3 is larger than that of the trunk 2, and therefore supplying calcium oxide to the cuttings 3 makes it easier for calcium oxide to react with water than supplying calcium oxide to the trunk 2. Furthermore, water contained inside the trunk 2 does not evaporate easily, but water contained in the cuttings 3 evaporates easily. Furthermore, the heat generated by the reaction between calcium oxide and water promotes the evaporation of water contained in the cuttings 3.

[0012] In this way, oil palm cuttings 1 are obtained by drying the cuttings 3. The weight of the oil palm cuttings 1 is lighter than the weight of the original tree trunk 2 by the amount of moisture removed. Furthermore, the loss of moisture prevents the oil palm cuttings 1 from decaying.

[0013] Therefore, the cutting and drying processes work together to produce oil palm cuttings 1 (dried cuttings 3) that are easy to transport and resistant to decay. The oil palm cuttings 1 thus obtained can be used, for example, as a material for fiberboards. Fiberboards are not particularly limited, but examples include medium density fiberboard (MDF), insulation board, hardboard, etc.

[0014] 2. Details (1) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing oil palm cuttings 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0015] <Working Vehicle> Figure 1 shows a working vehicle 4 for producing and transporting oil palm cuttings 1. This working vehicle 4 is a freight vehicle suitable for direct use in carrying out the method for producing oil palm cuttings 1. The working vehicle 4 comprises a chassis 41, a driver's seat (cab) 42, a loading platform 43, and a crane 5.

[0016] <Chassis> The chassis 41 includes a frame 410, an engine, a suspension, wheels 411, and the like, which are necessary for the work vehicle 4 to travel.

[0017] <<Driver's Cab>> The driver's cab 42 is provided with a driver's seat for driving the work vehicle 4. The driver's cab 42 is disposed in front of the chassis 41 and is supported by the chassis 41.

[0018] <<Loading Platform>> The loading platform 43 is disposed behind the chassis 41 and is supported by the chassis 41. The loading platform 43 includes a box-shaped main body 430, the tipper 6, the press 7, the tank 8, the discharge pipe 9, and a rear door 431.

[0019] [Box-shaped main body] The box-shaped main body 430 is shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped. The oil palm cuttings 1 are produced inside the box-shaped main body 430. The obtained oil palm cuttings 1 are stored as cargo inside the box-shaped main body 430.

[0020] [Chipper] The chipper 6 is a machine that cuts the oil palm trunk 2 into cuttings 3. The chipper 6 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a disc chipper.

[0021] The chipper 6 is disposed at the top of the box-shaped main body 430. The inlet 61 of the chipper 6 faces upward, and the outlet of the chipper 6 faces the inside of the box-shaped main body 430. The oil palm trunk 2 is fed into the chipper 6 through the inlet 61 and cut by a blade inside the chipper 6 to become cuttings 3. The cuttings 3 are discharged into the box-shaped main body 430 through the outlet of the chipper 6. The chipper 6 may be operable, for example, from the driver's seat.

[0022] [Press] The press 7 is a machine that compresses the cutting material 3. The press 7 is not particularly limited, but in the first embodiment, for example, the press 7 is a flat plate 70 that is formed to be movable in the front-rear direction inside the box-shaped main body 430.

[0023] The press 7 is disposed inside the box-shaped main body 430, forward of the discharge port (not shown) of the chipper 6. The cuttings 3 are sandwiched and squeezed between the flat plate 70 and the closed rear door 431. Juice 31 is squeezed out of the cuttings 3 by squeezing. The press 7 may be operable, for example, from the driver's seat.

[0024] [Tank] The tank 8 contains calcium oxide (CaO) (quicklime) granules or powder. The tank 8 is disposed at the top of the box-shaped main body 430, rearward of the chipper 6. The tank 8 has a supply port (not shown), which faces the inside of the box-shaped main body 430. The calcium oxide inside the tank 8 is supplied from the supply port to the inside of the box-shaped main body 430.

[0025] A valve (not shown) is attached to the supply port, and the amount of calcium oxide supplied can be adjusted by opening and closing the valve. The valve of the tank 8 may be operable, for example, from the driver's seat.

[0026] [Discharge Pipe] The discharge pipe 9 is a pipe that discharges the juice 31 generated inside the box-shaped main body 430 to the outside of the loading platform 43. The discharge pipe 9 is disposed at the rear of the box-shaped main body 430 and faces downward.

[0027] A valve (not shown) is attached to the discharge pipe 9, and opening and closing the valve allows the discharge of the juice 31 to be started or stopped. The valve of the discharge pipe 9 may be operable from the driver's seat, for example, or may be manually operated.

[0028] [Rear Door] The rear door 431 is a door for removing the oil palm cuttings 1 produced inside the box-shaped main body 430 to the outside of the loading platform 43. The rear door 431 is formed to be openable and closable, and is provided at the rear of the box-shaped main body 430. The rear door 431 is closed during the production of the oil palm cuttings 1 and while the work vehicle 4 is in operation. The rear door 431 is opened when removing the oil palm cuttings 1 or when inspecting or cleaning the inside of the box-shaped main body 430.

[0029] <Crane> The crane 5 is a machine that lifts the oil palm trunk 2 and moves it vertically and horizontally. The crane 5 includes a clamp 50. The clamp 50 is configured to be openable and closable, and can grip and release the oil palm trunk 2. The crane 5 may be operable, for example, from a driver's seat.

[0030] <Method for manufacturing oil palm cuttings> Next, a description will be given of a case where the method for manufacturing oil palm cuttings 1 is carried out using the above-mentioned work vehicle 4. Prior to carrying out the method for manufacturing oil palm cuttings 1, the work vehicle 4 is moved to an oil palm felling site or an area where oil palm trunks 2 are collected.

[0031] The method for manufacturing oil palm cuttings 1 according to the first embodiment includes a cutting step, a juice separation step, and a drying step.

[0032] <Cutting Process> In the cutting process, the oil palm trunk 2 is cut to obtain cuttings 3. Specifically, the trunk 2 is grasped by the clamp 50 of the crane 5, lifted by the crane 5, and moved above the chipper 6. The crane 5 is then operated to feed the trunk 2 into the inlet 61 of the chipper 6. The trunk 2 fed through the inlet 61 is cut by a blade inside the chipper 6 to become cuttings 3. The cuttings 3 are discharged from the discharge outlet of the chipper 6 into the inside of the box-shaped main body 430.

[0033] The shavings 3 obtained in the cutting step (the individual shavings constituting the shavings 3) have a complex shape but have a thickness. The average thickness of the shavings 3 is preferably 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less, more preferably 15 mm or more and 50 mm or less. As described above, if the average thickness of the shavings 3 is 10 mm or more, relatively long fibers can be left. On the other hand, if the average thickness of the shavings 3 is 100 mm or less, it is easier to squeeze out the juice 31 compared to squeezing the trunk 2 as is. The average thickness of the shavings 3 means the arithmetic mean of the thicknesses of the individual shavings constituting the shavings 3. The average length of the shavings 3 is preferably 10 mm or more and 20 cm or less. The average width of the shavings 3 is preferably 10 mm or more and 20 cm or less.

[0034] <Juicing and Separation Process> The juicing and separation process is a process between the cutting process and the drying process. In the juicing and separation process, the cuttings 3 are squeezed to separate the juice 31 from the cuttings 3. Specifically, the press 7 is operated to move the flat plate 70 rearward, and the cuttings 3 are sandwiched between the flat plate 70 and the closed rear door 431 and squeezed. As a result, the juice 31 is separated from the cuttings 3. The juice 31 is obtained as a by-product. In this way, the juice 31 generated inside the box-shaped main body 430 can be discharged to the outside of the loading platform 43 through the discharge pipe 9.

[0035] Here, the juice 31 contains a relatively large amount of sugar. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the juice 31 obtained in the juice separation process can also be used as fertilizer for oil palm. Specifically, the juice 31 discharged from the discharge pipe 9 is collected in a collection container 90, and this juice 31 is poured onto palm empty fruit bunches (EFBs) for absorption. EFBs are residues obtained as a by-product when palm oil is extracted from oil palms. If the EFBs have absorbed the juice 31 and are left in a palm plantation, they can function as fertilizer for oil palms. The juice 31 may also be spread directly on the palm plantation.

[0036] <Drying Process> In the drying process, calcium oxide is supplied to the cuttings 3 and the cuttings 3 are dried to obtain the oil palm cuttings 1. Specifically, calcium oxide is supplied from the supply port of the tank 8 to the cuttings 3 from which the juice 31 has been extracted. In this way, calcium oxide is sprinkled on the cuttings 3. Next, the cuttings 3 and calcium oxide are mixed in a stirring device (not shown). The calcium oxide reacts with the moisture remaining in the cuttings 3 to produce calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)) while generating heat. ２ ) (slaked lime) is produced. Some of the moisture remaining in the cuttings 3 is consumed by reaction with calcium oxide. Furthermore, the remaining moisture remaining in the cuttings 3 evaporates due to heat generation. When the calcium oxide supplied to the cuttings 3 stops reacting or the temperature of the cuttings 3 becomes too high, the supply of calcium oxide is stopped. In this way, the cuttings 3 are dried to become oil palm cuttings 1 (dried cuttings 3). It is not necessary to remove all of the moisture contained in the cuttings 3; moisture may remain in the cuttings 3 as long as it is enough to prevent decay from progressing.

[0037] As described above, when the drying process is completed, the oil palm cuttings 1 are obtained. The oil palm cuttings 1 can be left inside the box-shaped main body 430 and then driven by the work vehicle 4 to be transported to, for example, a fiberboard factory.

[0038] <Effects> The method for manufacturing the oil palm shavings 1 according to the first embodiment includes a cutting step and a drying step. The cutting step and the drying step work together to produce the oil palm shavings 1 that are easy to transport and resistant to spoilage.

[0039] That is, in the cutting process, the oil palm trunk 2 is cut to obtain the cuttings 3. This makes it easier to extract the moisture that was originally contained inside the trunk 2 to the outside.

[0040] Furthermore, in the drying process, calcium oxide is supplied to the cuttings 3. If the volumes of the cuttings 3 and the trunk 2 are the same, the surface area of ​​the cuttings 3 is larger than that of the trunk 2, and therefore supplying calcium oxide to the cuttings 3 makes it easier for calcium oxide to react with water than supplying calcium oxide to the trunk 2. Furthermore, since the surface area per unit volume of the cuttings 3 is larger than that of the trunk 2, water contained inside the trunk 2 does not evaporate easily, but water contained in the cuttings 3 evaporates easily. Furthermore, the heat generated by the reaction between calcium oxide and water promotes the evaporation of water contained in the cuttings 3.

[0041] The weight of the oil palm cuttings 1 obtained after the drying process is lighter than the weight of the original tree trunk 2 due to the loss of moisture. Furthermore, the loss of moisture inhibits decay of the oil palm cuttings 1.

[0042] Therefore, according to the manufacturing method of the oil palm cuttings 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain oil palm cuttings 1 that are easy to transport and resistant to spoilage.

[0043] The method for producing the oil palm cuttings 1 according to the first embodiment also includes a juice squeezing and separation step. In the juice squeezing and separation step, the juice 31 is separated from the cuttings 3. This allows a relatively large amount of moisture to be removed from the cuttings 3 at a stage prior to the drying step. Since there is no need to react calcium oxide with the moisture thus removed (i.e., the juice 31), the amount of calcium oxide to be supplied can be reduced compared to when the juice squeezing and separation step is not included.

[0044] Therefore, the cuttings 3 can be dried while saving the amount of calcium oxide supplied.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the average thickness of the shavings 3 obtained in the cutting process is 10 mm or more. This allows relatively long fibers to remain in the shavings 3. Therefore, the oil palm shavings 1 can be suitably used as a material for fiberboards, particularly medium density fiberboard (MDF). On the other hand, the average thickness of the shavings 3 obtained in the cutting process is 100 mm or less. This makes it easier to squeeze out the juice 31 compared to squeezing the tree trunk 2 as is. In other words, it is easier to remove excess moisture.

[0046] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the juice 31 obtained as a by-product is not discarded as it is but is effectively utilized. That is, the juice 31 can be used as fertilizer for the oil palm.

[0047] (2) Second Embodiment Next, a method for manufacturing oil palm cuttings 1 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0048] The method for manufacturing oil palm shavings 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the method for manufacturing oil palm shavings 1 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a classification process.

[0049] <Classification Process> The classification process is a process that follows the drying process. After the drying process is completed, not only the oil palm cuttings 1 but also calcium oxide and calcium oxide-derived substances may remain inside the box-shaped main body 430.

[0050] Here, calcium oxide may be supplied in excess during the drying process, and may remain inside the box-shaped main body 430 after the drying process is completed. Meanwhile, calcium oxide-derived substances refer to substances containing calcium element, which are products obtained by chemical reactions in which calcium oxide is involved as a reactant. Specifically, in the first and second embodiments, calcium oxide-derived substances mainly refer to calcium hydroxide. However, since calcium oxide can also react with substances other than water, calcium oxide-derived substances also include products obtained by reactions between calcium oxide and substances other than water.

[0051] In the classification step, calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances are classified from the oil palm cuttings 1. The classification operation can be performed by sieving, for example. After classification, the calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances are removed from inside the box-shaped main body 430 to the outside of the loading platform 43. Meanwhile, after classification, the oil palm cuttings 1 are kept inside the box-shaped main body 430. The loading platform 43 of the work vehicle 4 may further include a device for performing the classification operation.

[0052] Preferably, in the classification step, a portion of the calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances is left adhering to the surface of the oil palm shavings 1. Calcium oxide can function as a desiccant, so if it is attached to the surface of the oil palm shavings 1, it can maintain the dry state of the oil palm shavings 1 for a long period of time. On the other hand, calcium oxide-derived substances (particularly calcium hydroxide) can function as a fungicide, so if it is attached to the surface of the oil palm shavings 1, it can prevent the growth of fungus on the oil palm shavings 1. Calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances that are not attached to the surface of the oil palm shavings 1 are removed from inside the box-shaped main body 430 to the outside of the loading platform 43.

[0053] In the classification process, calcium oxide-derived substances separated from the oil palm cuttings 1 can be used as a soil conditioner for oil palm. In particular, calcium hydroxide contained in the calcium oxide-derived substances can function as a pH adjuster. The calcium oxide separated from the oil palm cuttings 1 can be returned to the tank 8 for reuse.

[0054] When the classification process is completed, the oil palm cuttings 1 are obtained. The oil palm cuttings 1 can be left inside the box-shaped main body 430 and then driven by the work vehicle 4 to be transported to, for example, a fiberboard factory.

[0055] <Operations and Effects> The second embodiment provides the same operations and effects as the first embodiment.

[0056] Furthermore, the method for producing the oil palm shavings 1 according to the second embodiment further includes a classification step after the drying step, in which calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances are classified from the oil palm shavings 1.

[0057] In the first embodiment, since there is no classification process, calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances and oil palm cuttings 1 are transported together as cargo to a factory or the like.

[0058] In contrast, in the second embodiment, a classification process is included, which separates calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances from the oil palm cuttings 1, and it becomes possible to transport almost only the oil palm cuttings 1 as cargo to a factory, etc. This makes it possible to reduce the weight of the cargo and further improve transportability.

[0059] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a portion of calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances adhere to the surface of the oil palm cuttings 1, thereby imparting the functions of calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances to the oil palm cuttings 1. Specifically, when calcium oxide adheres to the surface of the oil palm cuttings 1, the oil palm cuttings 1 can be maintained in a dry state for a long period of time. On the other hand, when calcium oxide-derived substances (particularly calcium hydroxide) adhere to the surface of the oil palm cuttings 1, the occurrence of mold on the oil palm cuttings 1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, calcium hydroxide is strongly basic, so it is also effective in suppressing decay of the oil palm cuttings 1.

[0060] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the calcium oxide-derived material obtained as a by-product is not discarded as is, but is effectively utilized. That is, the calcium oxide-derived material can be used as a soil conditioner for oil palm. In particular, the calcium hydroxide contained in the calcium oxide-derived material can function as a pH adjuster. Specifically, by spraying calcium hydroxide on soil that is too acidic, it is possible to utilize its neutralizing effect and turn the soil into a slightly acidic soil suitable for the growth of plants such as oil palm.

[0061] 3. Modifications In the first embodiment, the press 7 is formed as a flat plate 70 and is configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction inside the box-shaped main body 430. However, the press 7 may be formed as a pair of flat plates 70 and may be configured to be movable in the vehicle width direction (left-to-right direction) inside the box-shaped main body 430.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the method for producing oil palm cuttings 1 includes a juice squeezing and separation step, but it does not have to include the juice squeezing and separation step.

[0063] 4. Aspects As is clear from the above-described embodiments and modifications, the present disclosure includes the following aspects. In the following, reference numerals are given in parentheses only to clarify the correspondence with the embodiments.

[0064] The first aspect is a method for producing oil palm cuttings (1), which includes a cutting step and a drying step. In the cutting step, an oil palm trunk (2) is cut to obtain cuttings (3). In the drying step, calcium oxide is supplied to the cuttings (3), and the cuttings (3) are dried to obtain the oil palm cuttings (1).

[0065] According to this embodiment, oil palm cuttings (1) that are easy to transport and resistant to decay can be obtained.

[0066] The second aspect is a method for producing oil palm cuttings (1) based on the first aspect. In the second aspect, the method further comprises a juice separation step between the cutting step and the drying step. In the juice separation step, the cuttings (3) are squeezed to separate juice (31) from the cuttings (3).

[0067] According to this embodiment, the cuttings (3) can be dried while saving the amount of calcium oxide supplied.

[0068] A third aspect is a method for producing oil palm shavings (1) based on the first or second aspect. In the third aspect, the method further comprises a classification step after the drying step. In the classification step, calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances and the oil palm shavings (1) are classified.

[0069] According to this aspect, by separating calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances from the oil palm cuttings (1), the weight of the cargo can be reduced.

[0070] A fourth aspect is a method for producing oil palm cuttings (1) based on the third aspect. In the fourth aspect, in the classification step, a portion of calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances is left attached to the surface of the oil palm cuttings (1).

[0071] According to this embodiment, the functionality of calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances can be imparted to the oil palm cuttings (1).

[0072] A fifth aspect is a method for producing oil palm cuttings (1) based on any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the fifth aspect, the cuttings (3) obtained in the cutting step have an average thickness of 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0073] According to this aspect, the oil palm cuttings (1) can be suitably used as a material for medium density fiberboard (MDF).

[0074] A sixth aspect is a method for producing oil palm cuttings (1) based on any one of aspects 3 to 5. In the sixth aspect, a calcium oxide-derived substance obtained by separating the oil palm cuttings (1) in the classification step is used as a soil conditioner for oil palm.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the calcium oxide-derived substance obtained as a by-product can be used as a soil conditioner for oil palm.

[0076] A seventh aspect is a method for producing oil palm cuttings (1) based on any one of the second to sixth aspects. In the seventh aspect, the squeezed juice (31) obtained in the juice separation step is used as fertilizer for oil palm.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the juice (31) obtained as a by-product can be used as fertilizer for the oil palm.

[0078] 1. Palm fruit cuttings 2. Tree trunk 3. Cuttings 31. Juice extraction

Claims

1. A method for producing oil palm cuttings, comprising: a cutting step of cutting an oil palm trunk to obtain cuttings; and a drying step of supplying calcium oxide to the cuttings and drying the cuttings to obtain the oil palm cuttings.

2. The method for producing oil palm cuttings according to claim 1, further comprising a juice separation step between the cutting step and the drying step, in which the cuttings are squeezed to separate juice from the cuttings.

3. The method for producing oil palm shavings according to claim 1, further comprising a classification step of classifying the calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances and the oil palm shavings after the drying step.

4. The method for producing oil palm shavings according to claim 3, wherein in the classification step, a portion of calcium oxide and / or calcium oxide-derived substances are left attached to the surface of the oil palm shavings.

5. The method for producing oil palm shavings according to claim 1, wherein the average thickness of the shavings obtained in the shaving step is 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

6. The method for producing oil palm shavings according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the calcium oxide-derived substance separated from the oil palm shavings in the classification step is used as a soil conditioner for oil palm.

7. The method for producing oil palm cuttings according to claim 2, wherein the juice obtained in the juice separation step is used as fertilizer for oil palm.

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