The Refining Process of Palm Oil: From Crude to Refined

Palm oil refining is a complex yet crucial process that transforms crude palm oil into high - quality refined oil suitable for various applications. This article will comprehensively analyze the entire refining process, focusing on the key parameters and strategies for dealing with quality fluctuations.

Key Processes in Palm Oil Refining

The refining of palm oil mainly consists of four core processes: degumming, deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization. Each process plays a vital role in improving the quality of palm oil.

• Degumming: In this process, the removal of phospholipids and other gums is essential. The temperature is typically controlled between 70 - 80°C, and the appropriate amount of additives, such as phosphoric acid, is added. The dosage of phosphoric acid is usually about 0.1% - 0.2% of the oil weight. By controlling these parameters, the gum content can be effectively reduced to less than 10 ppm.
• Deacidification: Deacidification aims to remove free fatty acids from crude palm oil. The temperature for this process is usually maintained at around 90 - 110°C, and the vacuum degree should reach 2 - 5 mmHg. Through proper control of these conditions, the free fatty acid content can be reduced to below 0.1%.
• Decolorization: Activated clay is commonly used in the decolorization process. The temperature is generally set at 90 - 100°C, and the amount of activated clay added is about 2% - 3% of the oil weight. This process can significantly reduce the color value of palm oil, making the oil clearer and more market - appealing.
• Deodorization: As the final step, deodorization removes unpleasant odors and some volatile substances. The temperature is relatively high, around 230 - 260°C, and a high vacuum degree of 0.5 - 1 mmHg is required. After deodorization, the peroxide value of palm oil can be reduced to below 0.1 meq/kg.

Quality Fluctuations and Countermeasures

During the palm oil refining process, quality fluctuations are inevitable. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

The Importance of Equipment and Automation

Using 304 stainless - steel equipment in the palm oil refining process is of great significance. It can effectively prevent metal contamination, ensuring the safety and quality of palm oil. In addition, an automated control system is essential for ensuring product batch - to - batch consistency. With accurate parameter control and real - time monitoring, the automated system can reduce human errors and improve production efficiency.

For example, in a large - scale palm oil refinery, after implementing an automated control system, the product qualification rate increased from 90% to 95%, and the production efficiency was improved by 15%.

Penguin Group's fully automatic palm oil production line has outstanding technical advantages. With state - of - the - art technology and years of practical experience, it can help you achieve efficient and stable palm oil refining. Our professional after - sales service team is always ready to provide you with technical support and solutions.

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