Hydrogenation

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What is Hydrogenation?

Hydrogenation is a process utilized to modify the physical characteristics of natural fats and oils . Employed in the edible oil processing industry for over a century, this technique commonly referred to as ‘hardening’ primarily targets liquid vegetable oils such as soybean, canola, or sunflower. The objective is to enhance their oxidative stability and refine their melting properties by decreasing their level of unsaturation.

In this the unsaturated oils convert unsaturated bonds to saturated by means of hydrogen molecules under presence of the catalyst and increase the melting point of oil or fats.

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Types Of Hydrogenation

Fully Hydrogenation

Partially Hydrogenation

Process

Steps of Fully Hydrogenation Plant

A fully hydrogenated oil plant processes edible oils to increase their stability, shelf life, and change their physical properties, making them suitable for various food applications.

Step 1

Feed Preparation

Oil Selection and Cleaning: Raw vegetable oils (such as soybean, palm, or canola oil) are selected based on the desired final product. The oil is cleaned to remove impurities such as free fatty acids, phospholipids, and pigments through processes like degumming, neutralization, and bleaching.

Heating: The cleaned oil is heated to the required temperature, typically between 180°C and 220°C, to facilitate the hydrogenation reaction

Step 2

Hydrogenation Reaction

Reaction Vessel: The heated oil is introduced into a hydrogenation reactor. This reactor is designed to withstand high pressure and temperature.

Hydrogen Addition: Hydrogen gas is added to the reactor under controlled conditions. The hydrogenation reaction involves the addition of hydrogen atoms to the double bonds of unsaturated fatty acids in the oil, converting them into saturated fatty acids.

Catalyst: A metal catalyst, usually nickel or a nickel-based compound, is used to speed up the reaction. The catalyst is often in the form of a fixed bed or a slurry.

Temperature and Pressure Control: The reaction conditions are carefully controlled. Typical operating temperatures range from 150°C to 220°C, and pressures can vary from 1 to 20 atmospheres, depending on the desired level of hydrogenation.

Step 3

Catalyst Filtration / Separation

Filtration/Centrifugation: After the hydrogenation reaction, the oil is separated from the spent catalyst. This is typically done through filtration or centrifugation.

Step 4

Post-Treatment

Deodorization: The hydrogenated oil may be subjected to deodorization to remove any residual odors or flavors. This step usually involves steam distillation under vacuum.

Step 5

Cooling and Storage

Cooling: The hydrogenated oil is cooled to ambient temperature or to a specified temperature for storage.

Storage: The oil is stored in tanks under controlled conditions to prevent oxidation and maintain quality.

Process

Steps of Plant Partially Hydrogenation Plant

In a partially hydrogenated oil plant, the goal is to partially hydrogenate vegetable oils to achieve desired properties, such as a specific melting point or consistency, while maintaining some level of unsaturation. This process is used to create fats that are more stable than fully unsaturated oils but not as solid as fully hydrogenated oils.

Step 1

Feed Preparation

Oil Selection and Cleaning: Raw vegetable oils (such as soybean, palm, or canola oil) are selected based on the desired final product. The oil is cleaned to remove impurities such as free fatty acids, phospholipids, and pigments through processes like degumming, neutralization, and bleaching.

Heating: The cleaned oil is heated to the required temperature, typically between 180°C and 220°C, to facilitate the hydrogenation reaction.

Step 2

Hydrogenation Reaction

Reaction Vessel: The heated oil is introduced into a hydrogenation reactor. This reactor is designed to withstand high pressure and temperature.

Hydrogen Addition: Hydrogen gas is added to the reactor under controlled conditions. The hydrogenation reaction involves the addition of hydrogen atoms to the double bonds of unsaturated fatty acids in the oil, converting them into saturated fatty acids.

Catalyst: A metal catalyst, usually nickel or a nickel-based compound, is used to speed up the reaction. The catalyst is often in the form of a fixed bed or a slurry.

Temperature and Pressure Control: The reaction conditions are carefully controlled. Typical operating temperatures range from 150°C to 220°C, and pressures can vary from 1 to 20 atmospheres, depending on the desired level of hydrogenation.

Step 3

Catalyst Filtration / Separation

Filtration/Centrifugation: After the hydrogenation reaction, the oil is separated from the spent catalyst. This is typically done through filtration or centrifugation.

Step 4

Post-Treatment

Deodorization: The hydrogenated oil may be subjected to deodorization to remove any residual odors or flavors. This step usually involves steam distillation under vacuum.

Step 5

Cooling and Storage

Cooling: The hydrogenated oil is cooled to ambient temperature or to a specified temperature for storage.

Storage: The oil is stored in tanks under controlled conditions to prevent oxidation and maintain quality.