The difference between vegetable oil neutralization process and steam distillation process to remove FFA

Anyone in the vegetable oil business knows that FFA content is an important criteria that measures the quality of oil. To remove FFA from oil, there are two methods: one is chemical method -- vegetable oil neutralization process, and the other is physical method -- steam distillation process. What is the difference between them?

In terms of technology, as their name shows, vegetable oil neutralization process is using alkali liquor to react with FFA in the oil, which is a chemical reaction. And the steam distillation process is using the steam to bring the FFA from oil, which is a physical method.

Vegetable oil neutralization process flow chart

As for the products of them, through vegetable oil neutralization process, you can get soap stock, which is the raw materials of making soap. Through steam distillation process, you can get high purity FFA, which can be sold at a good price.

Then, when you want to build a vegetable oil refinery plant, how to choose using which method? For small scale vegetable oil refinery plant, using vegetable oil neutralization process to remove FFA is the best choice. Because the cost is low, specially for 1-2tpd mini vegetable oil refinery plant. But there is one point worth mentioning, its oil loss will be higher than physical steam distillation method.

So If your input capacity is small and the budget is not very high, choose vegetable oil neutralization process to remove FFA. Almost all the kinds of oil are suitable. Through the commissioning of engineers, the deacidification effect can reach the best.

Indonesian customer 5tpd palm oil refinery plant project is using steam distillation process to remove FFA

When your budget is enough and the crude oil is with high FFA content, such as palm oil, coconut oil and rice bran oil, choose physical steam distillation method. Our Indonesian customer 5tpd palm oil refinery plant project is using physical steam distillation method to remove FFA, because his crude palm oil is with very high FFA content.

If you are still confused, contact us directly. Our sales manager and engineer will give you the best suggestions.