How to handle high FFA crude palm oil in small-scale refining processes?

Handling high FFA crude palm oil in small-scale refining processes requires special care and attention, as high FFA content can negatively affect both the crude palm oil quality and the palm oil refining process itself. High levels of FFA in crude palm oil usually indicate poor raw material quality (such as damaged or unripe palm fruits), delayed processing or improper storage conditions (such as high temperature and humidity). In addition, FFA is mainly produced by the hydrolysis of triglycerides, which can be accelerated by microbial activity, fruit damage or incomplete processing and sterilization, ultimately leading to the formation of glycerol and free fatty acids. The following general steps are usually followed in handling high FFA crude palm oil in small-scale refining processes:

StepⅠ. Degumming and Neutralization (Deacidification)

The first step to handle high FFA crude palm oil in small-scale refining processes is to degum and neutralize the crude palm oil to reduce the acid content and remove impurities. Here’s how to do it:

1. Degumming

(1) Purpose: Removes phospholipids that can interact with fatty acids and create emulsions during the neutralization process.

(2) Process: Add water or an acid (such as phosphoric acid) to the crude palm oil to hydrate the gums. Heat the crude palm oil to around 70–90°C and mix gently. Then, separate the gums by centrifugation or filtration.

Crude palm oil degumming and neutralization (deacidification) equipment

2. Neutralization (Deacidification)

(1) Purpose: Neutralization (Deacidification) helps to reduce the FFA in the palm oil, improving its quality.

(2) Process: This is typically done by treating the palm oil with an alkaline solution, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which reacts with FFAs to form soap (sodium salts of fatty acids). The palm oil is heated to around 90–110°C and mixed with an alkali solution for a set time. After neutralization (Deacidification), the palm oil and soap are separated by gravity, centrifugation or filtration. It is worth noting that for high FFA crude palm oil, more alkali may be required, so precise control is necessary to prevent over-neutralization, which could affect the palm oil's flavor or quality.

StepⅡ. Bleaching (Decolorization)

(1) Purpose: Bleaching (Decolorization) helps to remove color, impurities and some residual FFA, improving the palm oil’s appearance and quality. It is particularly important for high FFA crude palm oil, as residual impurities could affect palm oil quality.

(2) Process: The neutralized palm oil is mixed with a bleaching agent, such as activated clay or bleaching earth, at a temperature of about 90–110°C. The bleaching agent adsorbs impurities, including some residual FFA. The palm oil is then filtered to remove the spent bleaching agent.

Crude palm oil bleaching (decolorization) equipment

StepⅢ. Deodorization

(1) Purpose: Deodorization is the final step in handle high FFA crude palm oil in small-scale refining processes to remove undesirable odors and taste, which can be exacerbated by high FFA content.

(2) Process: The bleached palm oil is heated to 220–260°C under a vacuum. The high temperature and vacuum remove volatile compounds, including FFA that might contribute to off-flavors or odors. The palm oil is then cooled and prepared for packaging.

Crude palm oil deodorization equipment

StepⅣ. Additional Treatment

In small-scale palm oil refining processes, it may be necessary to use more advanced methods or adjust traditional palm oil refining process to handle high FFA crude palm oil. These methods can include:

1. Physical Deacidification (Steam Distillation)

For high FFA crude palm oil, steam distillation or vacuum distillation can be used as an alternative or supplement to Neutralization (Deacidification). This method involves heating the palm oil under vacuum and introducing steam to distill off the FFAs.

Process: The palm oil is heated and steam is injected, which helps to volatilize the FFAs, which are then condensed and separated. This method is particularly effective for reducing FFA in high FFA crude palm oil and is often used in conjunction with other palm oil refining steps.

2. Enzymatic Treatment

Enzyme-based processes are emerging as a more eco-friendly option for reducing FFA levels. It uses industrial lipases to esterify free fatty acids (FFA) into harmless byproducts.

Process: Add appropriate amount of lipase to preheated crude palm oil. Maintain optimal conditions (temperature, pH) to maintain enzyme activity. Stir gently for several hours. Finally, use filtration to separate byproducts from the enzymatic reaction.

In summary, handling high FFA crude palm oil in small-scale refining processes requires careful management of the above steps, so as to produce high-quality palm oil from crude palm oil with high FFA content, thereby improving its operational efficiency and profitability. If you want to know more about small-scale palm oil refining process, please feel free to consult Henan Glory Company.