In the edible oil degumming process, precise control of key parameters is crucial for achieving high - efficiency degumming and stable oil quality. Let's first look at the impact of moisture addition. Generally, for most common oilseeds, adding 2% - 3% moisture can effectively promote the aggregation of phospholipids. However, this ratio may vary depending on the type of oilseed. For example, when processing soybean oil, an appropriate moisture addition of about 2.5% can lead to better degumming results, as shown in Figure 1.
Temperature is another significant factor. A temperature range of 60 - 70°C is often ideal for the degumming process. If the temperature is too low, the reaction rate will be slow, and phospholipids may not aggregate effectively. On the other hand, if the temperature is too high, it may cause oil oxidation and affect the quality of the final product. For instance, in a case study of rapeseed oil degumming, maintaining the temperature at 65°C resulted in a 15% increase in degumming efficiency compared to when the temperature was at 55°C.
Stirring intensity directly affects the mixing degree of water and oil, thus influencing the degumming effect. A moderate stirring speed of 100 - 150 rpm can ensure uniform mixing. If the stirring speed is too high, it may break the aggregated phospholipid particles, while a too - low speed may lead to uneven mixing. Settling time is also essential. Usually, a settling time of 4 - 6 hours is required for the separated phospholipids to fully settle. In a real - world scenario, when the settling time was extended from 3 hours to 5 hours, the clarity of the degummed oil improved significantly, reducing the residual phospholipid content by about 10%.
To build a scientific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for degumming, it is necessary to analyze and summarize based on actual production data. By establishing a set of standard operating steps, human - induced errors can be effectively avoided. For example, through continuous optimization of the SOP in a certain edible oil factory, the production capacity increased by 20% within a year, and the product consistency improved by 18%.
There are several common mistakes in the degumming process. One is the misjudgment of the degumming endpoint. Some producers may end the process too early or too late, which affects the degumming effect. To avoid this, it is recommended to use modern detection methods, such as online conductivity monitoring. Another mistake is the insufficient adjustment according to raw material differences. Different oilseeds have different phospholipid contents and compositions, so a one - size - fits - all approach is not suitable. For example, the phospholipid content in sunflower seeds is different from that in peanuts, and different degumming strategies should be adopted.
Equipment selection also has a significant impact on the degumming process. Inappropriate equipment may lead to uneven mixing, affecting the degumming efficiency. When selecting equipment, factors such as the mixing ability, heat transfer efficiency, and corrosion resistance should be considered.
Due to the different phospholipid contents and compositions of various oilseeds, differentiated degumming methods are required. For high - phospholipid oilseeds like soybeans, acid - assisted degumming can be used. By adding a small amount of phosphoric acid, the degumming efficiency can be significantly improved. For low - phospholipid oilseeds like olive oil, simple water degumming may be sufficient.
| Oilseed Type | Recommended Degumming Method |
|---|---|
| Soybean | Acid - assisted degumming |
| Olive | Water degumming |
Modern online detection technology, especially conductivity monitoring, plays an important role in the degumming process. By continuously monitoring the conductivity of the oil during the degumming process, the degumming endpoint can be accurately determined, and the process can be adjusted in real - time. For example, when the conductivity reaches a certain value, it indicates that the degumming process is almost complete, which helps to improve production efficiency and product quality.
In conclusion, optimizing the edible oil degumming process is a complex but rewarding task. By precisely controlling key parameters, building scientific SOPs, avoiding common mistakes, adopting differentiated degumming methods, and applying modern detection technology, enterprises can significantly improve production capacity and product consistency.
Penguin Group offers advanced degumming and refining equipment solutions. Our solutions are designed based on the latest industry standards and technological trends. Whether you are a small - scale edible oil producer or a large - scale enterprise, our professional technical support can help you optimize your production process and enhance your competitiveness. Contact us now to get professional technical support and take your edible oil production to the next level!
