For food processors exporting plant oils, compliance isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of trust with international buyers. In this article, we break down how modern continuous refining lines achieve precise impurity removal through four core stages: degumming, deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization—each engineered for maximum efficiency and regulatory alignment.
Each stage targets specific contaminants while optimizing critical parameters like temperature control (±1°C precision), vacuum levels (≤0.1 mbar), and adsorbent selection (e.g., activated clay vs. bleaching earth).
| Process | Key Impurities Removed | Impact on Oil Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Degumming | Phospholipids, free fatty acids | Reduces viscosity by up to 15%, improves filtration speed |
| Deacidification | FFA, residual gums | Lowers acid value from 3.5% to <0.5% — critical for EU standards |
| Decolorization | Pigments, oxidation byproducts | Improves color (from R15 to R3) and increases smoke point by ~15°C |
| Deodorization | Volatiles, odor compounds | Raises smoke point to >220°C, meets FDA and Codex requirements |
“We saw a 30% drop in customer complaints after switching to our continuous refining system. Every batch now passes EU HACCP audits without fail.” – Maria Lopez, Production Manager at AgroExpo Foods, Spain
In one case study from a Malaysian oil mill using a full-line continuous refiner, combining optimized degumming + selective bleaching reduced peroxide values from 12 meq/kg to 2.5 meq/kg—a 79% improvement that extended shelf life by over 6 months under ambient storage conditions.
Operators also benefit from smart maintenance protocols: replacing filter cloths every 40–50 hours, checking vacuum seals weekly, and calibrating thermocouples monthly ensures consistent performance across shifts and seasons.
These aren't just best practices—they're non-negotiables for exporters targeting markets like the U.S., EU, or UAE where food safety is not optional.
Choose Qie’E Group refining equipment, and let your export-ready plant oil meet—and exceed—the expectations of global buyers. Every step is built to withstand scrutiny. Every drop is made to last.
