Oil Fractionation

INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY

While most of vegetable oil can become edible after the refining process, some of them (e.g.: Palm Oil) would require a further additional processing step, named oil fractionation.

Oil fractionation – such as esterification, hydrogenation, and interesterification – is classified as fat modification process.

Such process is based on the different crystallising physical properties of the main chemical components (stearine and oleine), allowing a partial separation of such components to increase the level of unsaturation (called also Iodine Value) of the oleine portion.

Being a purely physical separation technique it is reversible, and does not require the use of chemicals.

How does the process work?

RBD (Refined, Bleached, and Degummed) palm oil is first heated to ensure homogeneity between the liquid (olein) and the more viscous (stearin) fractions. The oil is then cooled systematically and very precisely in terms of time and temperature control, with gradual cooling until the desired crystallisation conditions are reached. Once the oil reaches the correct temperature, it undergoes a maturation period for stabilisation. Finally, the crystallised oil is sent to the filtration stage, which produces the final separate liquid (olein) and solid (stearin) fractions.

TECHNOLOGY ADVANTAGES

The cooling step take place inside a crystalliser, a vessel equipped with temperature-controlled water circulation system. This controlled cooling allows stearin to solidify into easily separable crystals. Although the crystalliser can be used for many types of RBD oils, palm oil is the most common, as it requires fractionation to achieve specific edible qualities.

A standard crystallisation process can take from 8 to 40 hrs or more, depending on the target product and market requirements.

Commercially, products are classified according to their Iodine Value (IV), which measures the degree of unsaturation in oils and fats:

• Crude Palm Oil (CPO) typically has an IV around 51.5 and 53.
• For normal olein, an IV of 56 or 58 is desirable.
• Certain applications require IV values above 60.

After crystallisation, the slurry is transferred to a filter press, which mechanically separates the solid stearin from the liquid olein.

For premium products, a double fractionation (“double fract”) can be performed, in which the olein fraction undergoes a second crystallisation. This allows the production of super-olein or Palm Mid-Fraction (PMF), both of which are highly valued in the food industry.

Oil fractionation is a versatile, scalable and environmentally friendly process. By adjusting factors such as time, temperature, and pressure, it is possible to obtain a wide range of consistent-quality products. The process is entirely physical, requires no chemical additives, and allows for complete recycling of cooling water, making it eco-friendly and waste-free.

General Advantages of Oil Fractionation:

• Adaptable for various oils and fats
• Ability to produce wide range of products
• Entirely physical and environmentally friendly process
• Preservation of oil quality

FURTHER ADVANTAGES OF CMB TECHNOLOGY

The CMB crystalliser, cylindrical in design, is capable of processing varies tonnage of RBD oil per batch. Its capacity can be scaled up according to Client requirements, as CMB manufactures fully customised systems in-house.

CMB’s filter press technology is equipped with chambers and membranes that can apply maximum pressure, enabling efficient liquid–solid separation. At the end of filtration, the solid fraction (stearin) is discharged into the hopper below.

As CMB designs and builds complete fractionation plants, it is able to provide Clients with highly competitive costs in terms of both capital investment and energy consumption. Advanced engineering, high-quality materials, and efficient system design ensure:

• Maximum reliability
• Easy operation and maintenance
• Reduced energy use

CMB also emphasizes continuous customer support, assisting Clients at every stage of the plant’s operation.

Reasons to Choose a CMB Oil Fractionation Plant:

• Reliable and user-friendly operation
• High yield and efficiency
• Optimized, energy savings equipment
• Competitive investment cost
• Ongoing professional support

CONTACT

Don’t wait, get in touch with a CMB professional consultant today to learn more.

Email: info@cmb.it

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