Why Residual Moisture from Failed Degumming Increases Steam Consumption in Deodorization

21 10,2025

QI ' E Group

Application Tutorial

A failed degumming step doesn’t just compromise oil quality—it can significantly elevate steam usage in the deodorization stage. This article dissects a real-world case where incomplete phospholipid removal led to water retention, causing thermal inefficiency and abnormal energy consumption. By exploring the underlying chemistry and process dynamics, we reveal how moisture disrupts heat transfer and increases vapor demand. Practical solutions—including precise pH control, optimized temperature gradients, and automated feedback systems—are presented to prevent costly operational failures. Learn how to eliminate hidden inefficiencies and ensure consistent refining performance from the very first stage.

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Why Residual Water in Degumming Leads to Excessive Steam Use in Deodorization

When refining edible oils—especially palm, soybean, or rapeseed oil—many plants face an invisible but costly issue: excessive steam consumption during the deodorization stage. The root cause? Often, it's not the deodorizer itself—it’s what happened earlier.

In a typical oil refinery, the degumming step is where phospholipids and free fatty acids are removed from crude oil. If this process fails—even slightly—the consequences ripple through the entire line. One of the most overlooked side effects? A 15–30% increase in steam usage in deodorization, according to data from a 2023 study by the International Oilseed Processing Association (IOPA).

“Even 0.2% residual moisture after degumming can reduce heat transfer efficiency by up to 22%, leading to longer processing times and higher energy costs.” — Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed, Senior Process Engineer at Al-Futtaim AgriTech

How Water Interferes with Heat Transfer

During deodorization, steam is injected directly into the oil under vacuum to strip volatile compounds like aldehydes and free fatty acids. But when water remains in the oil post-degumming:

It creates a thin film on the heating surface, reducing thermal conductivity.
It increases the total mass that must be heated—meaning more energy per batch.
It may even trigger premature condensation inside the deodorizer, lowering vacuum quality and increasing cycle time.

Real-world example: A Malaysian palm oil refiner saw steam use jump from 1.8 kg/kg oil to 2.4 kg/kg oil over three months. After inspection, they found their degumming pH was fluctuating between 4.2 and 5.0 instead of maintaining a stable 4.5–4.7 range. This inconsistency led to incomplete phosphatide removal—and trapped water.

Process Step	Ideal Condition	Common Failure Mode	Impact on Steam Use
Degumming pH	4.5–4.7	< 4.2 or > 5.0	+15–30%
Temperature Gradient	60°C → 80°C (step-wise)	Rapid ramp-up (no hold)	+10–20%
Moisture Content	≤ 0.1%	> 0.3%	+25–40%

From Experience to Data-Driven Control

The shift from manual control to automated systems is no longer optional—it’s essential for competitiveness. Modern refineries now integrate sensors for real-time monitoring of:

Oil temperature gradients across degumming tanks
Moisture levels via near-infrared (NIR) analyzers
pH stability with closed-loop feedback controls

One Chinese plant reported a 22% reduction in steam consumption within six weeks after installing such a system—while improving oil clarity and consistency. These gains aren’t just about saving fuel—they’re about building trust with buyers who demand predictable quality.

Let every degree of steam count—not waste it on hidden inefficiencies. Start by auditing your degumming parameters today.