Edible oil refiners are used to process crude oil obtained from various oil seeds and nuts into refined edible oil. These machines are essential in removing impurities, free fatty acids, phospholipids, waxes and other unwanted components from crude oil, making it suitable for human consumption. The refining process usually involves several stages, each with its specific equipment and technology.
The main stages of edible oil refining
Degumming:
Purpose: To remove phospholipids (gums) that affect the stability and quality of the oil.
Equipment: degumming tank, phosphoric acid dosing system, centrifuge.
Neutralization (alkali refining):
Purpose: To neutralize free fatty acids using alkaline solution to form soap stock which is removed.
Equipment: Neutralization reactor, agitator, centrifuge.
drift:
Purpose: To remove color pigments, oxidation products and trace metals.
Equipment: bleaching earth batching system, bleaching reactor and filtration system.
Deodorant:
Purpose: To remove volatile compounds from oil that cause odor and taste.
Equipment: Deodorization tower, vacuum system, heat exchanger.
Winterization/fractionation:
Purpose: To remove waxes and other high melting point components and ensure the oil remains clear at low temperatures.
Equipment: Cooling crystallizer and filtering device.
Types of Edible Oil Refiners
Batch refining: Suitable for small to medium scale production where the process is carried out in batches.
Continuous Refinery: Suitable for large-scale production, providing a more efficient and less labor-intensive continuous process.
Key equipment for edible oil refinery
Oil Degumming Machine: Removes phospholipids and prepares the oil for further processing.
Neutralizer: Treating the oil with alkali to neutralize the free fatty acids.
Centrifuge: Separates impurities and soap stock from the oil.
Bleach: Use bleaching earth or activated charcoal to absorb color pigments and other impurities.
Deodorizer: Uses heat and vacuum to remove odors and volatile compounds.
Filter press: Filter out impurities and solid particles in the oil.
Advanced functions of modern oil refining machinery
Automation and control systems: Improve efficiency and precision by automating processes and monitoring key parameters.
Energy Recovery System: Reduces energy consumption by recovering and reusing process heat.
Environmental Compliance: Implement systems to handle waste and emissions and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Matters Needing Attention in Choosing Edible Oil Refining Machine
Capacity: Make sure the machine can handle the required production volume.
Type of Oil: Different oils may require specific equipment or process adjustments.
Quality Standards: Look for a machine that can produce oil that meets the required quality standards.
Cost: Evaluate initial investment, operating costs, and potential return on investment.
Vendor support: Consider the availability of technical support, spare parts, and maintenance services.
If you have specific requirements or need advice on a particular type of oil or scale of production, feel free to ask!