Alkali Refining / Washing / Drying

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What is Alkali Refining

Alkali refining, also known simply as chemical refining of oil, is a key method used in the purification of vegetable oils and fats. It’s employed to enhance the quality of oils by removing impurities, specifically the FFA, phospholipids and undesirable components.

In alkali refining, the crude oil undergoes treatment with an alkali solution, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). This alkali reacts with free fatty acids, phospholipids, and other impurities present in the oil, forming water-soluble compounds like soaps. These compounds are then separated from the oil, resulting in a purified product.

The process involves several steps, including degumming, neutralization, washing, drying, bleaching (if necessary), and deodorization (if necessary). Each step contributes to the removal of specific impurities, resulting in a cleaner, higher-quality oil suitable for various applications.

Process of Alkali Refining

This method effectively eliminates impurities and undesirable components from crude oils, thereby enhancing their overall quality for diverse applications.

The process of alkali refining involves a series of carefully orchestrated steps to ensure thorough purification:

Step 1

Degumming (Optional)

Initially, the crude oil undergoes degumming, where water is introduced to induce the hydration and subsequent precipitation of hydratable phospholipids and other gum-like substances present in the oil. These impurities are then separated from the oil through centrifugation or filtration.

Step 2

Gum Conditioning

After water degumming phosphoric acid is dosed with proportion to non-hydratable phospholipids and subsequent retention to convert the NHP to the Hydratable phospholipids and they are further removed in the neutralization and washing stage.

Step 3

Neutralization

Following Gum Conditioning, the oil is subjected to neutralization. In this stage, an alkali solution, typically comprising sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is added to the oil. This alkali reacts with free fatty acids and acidic impurities, forming water-soluble compounds, such as soap. These compounds can then be easily separated from the oil.

Step 4

Washing

After neutralization, the oil is washed with water to remove residual impurities, including any remaining soap formed during the neutralization process. This washing step aids in further purifying the oil and ensuring its cleanliness.

Step 5

Drying

Subsequently, the washed oil is dried to eliminate any remaining moisture. This drying process is crucial for enhancing the stability and quality of the refined oil.

Depending on the desired final product specifications, the oil is then refined and may undergo a bleaching and deodorization step.

In essence, alkali refining is a meticulously orchestrated process aimed at purifying crude oils through a sequence of degumming, neutralization, washing, drying, and optional bleaching and deodorization steps. This process ensures the production of high-quality vegetable oils and fats suitable for various culinary, industrial, and commercial applications.