Comparative Analysis of Calcium Carbonate and Clay Based on Solution Specific Gravity for Core and Shell Separation in the Claybath Unit at PMKS PT. XYZ

This study is the result of an analysis of the effect of the ratio of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and clay (Al₂O₃.3SiO₂.2H₂O) on the specific gravity of the solution and the effectiveness of the separation of palm kernel and shell in the Claybath unit at PMKS PT Sisirau. This separation is based on the principle of specific gravity difference, where the optimal solution medium has a specific gravity between 1.12-1.13 gr/mL. The research was conducted by varying the ratio of calcium carbonate and clay, measuring the specific gravity of the solution, and calculating the resulting core losses. The results showed that increasing the specific gravity of the solution significantly decreased the core losses. The negative linear regression correlation value of -0.9955 shows a very strong relationship between the increase in specific gravity and the decrease in losses. The optimal combination was obtained at a ratio of 5:5 (150 g calcium carbonate and 150 g clay) with a specific gravity of 1.133 g/mL and core losses of 3.23%, lower than the company's maximum standard of 3.50%. This analysis shows that the use of a combination of calcium carbonate and clay is effective and more economical as a separation medium in the Claybath unit process.