ByPalma 2021, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Due to shorter rotation cycles compared to other palm species, oil palm wood has lower densities, a wider density range (150–600 kg/m3 dry), and a high moisture content. The moisture content varies, reversely to the density, with the highest values of up to 600% at the trunk core, especially at the top of the palm trunk. Kiln drying material with such low density, very high moisture content and high sugar and starch content is difficult and often produces drying defects such as cell collapse, cracks, and mold. Mechanical dewatering of wet oil palm lumber in an unheated double roller press reduces the water content and generates sugar-containing pressed water (sap) that could be used as a source for biochemicals. The share of mechanically removed water varied from 1 to >54% of the total water removed from wet to dry state (at 20 °C, 65% rh). Center boards from the top of the trunk had the highest dewatering rates while boards from the periphery at the bottom of the trunk (high density, low water content) showed the lowest