Free fatty acids (FFA) are natural components present in all types of edible oils. However, high levels of FFA can lead to undesirable flavors, decreased shelf life, and potential health hazards when oils are used for frying or edible. Therefore, it's crucial to remove FFA levels in edible oils to maintain quality and safety. In this article, we will explore effective methods for removing FFA in edible oil.
The process of edible oil refinery
Free fatty acids are molecules consisting of a chain of carbon atoms with a carboxylic acid group at one end. They are naturally present in oils and fats and are released when oils undergo hydrolysis, a chemical reaction that occurs when oils are exposed to moisture, heat, or enzymes. High temperatures, prolonged storage, and exposure to air can accelerate hydrolysis, leading to increased FFA levels in edible oils.
Edible oil refinery plant
Chemical neutralization is a method commonly used in oil refineries to remove FFA levels. It involves treating the oil with an alkaline substance such as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). The alkaline substance reacts with the free fatty acids to form soap, which can be separated from the oil. This process effectively removes FFA levels.
Physical refining is another method used to remove FFA levels in edible oil. Unlike chemical refining, physical refining does not involve the use of chemicals such as caustic soda. Instead, it relies on processes such as steam distillation and vacuum distillation to remove free fatty acids and impurities from the oil.
DOING edible oil refinery plant
The above is an introduction to the general methods of removing FFA in edible oil. In addition to neutralizing and removing FFA, the edible oil refinery method generally includes degumming, decolorization and deodorization. Degumming removes impurities such as phospholipids, decolorizing helps remove pigments and other impurities, and deodorizing removes odor-causing compounds. That is, edible oil refinery plants not only remove FFA content but also improve the color, flavor, and stability of the edible oil.
Henan DOING Company produces and designs different types of edible oil refinery plants to meet the needs of different customers. If you are interested in our edible oil refinery plants, please feel free to contact us.
