What is the difference between physical refining and chemical refining of edible oil?

There are mainly two kinds of methods to refine edible oils — physical refining and chemical refining. Then what is the difference between physical refining and chemical refining of edible oil? Let’s talk about this question together:

Actually, how to get rid of the free fatty acid (FFA) in the crude oils is the main difference between physical refining and chemical refining of edible oil. In the physical refining process, the FFA is removed by steam; while in the chemical refining process, the FFA is neutralized by NaOH (sodium hydroxide solution). The detailed process of physical refining and chemical refining process are as follows:

1.Physical refining process of edible oil.

Physical refining process of edible oil

Degumming - bleaching - neutralization & deodorization

①Add phosphoric acid solution to get precipitate and then filtrate the precipitate.

②Add white clay to get ride of the color and other impurities.

③Inject steam to take away the smell and get rid of FFA.

2.Chemical refining process of edible oil.

Chemical refining process of edible oil

Degumming - neutralization - bleaching - deodorization

①Add hot water to get precipitate and then filtrate the precipitate.

②Add NaOH(sodium hydroxide solution) to neutralize FFA.

③Add white clay to get ride of the color and other impurities.

④Inject steam to take away the smell and get rid of FFA.

As you can see from the above processes, the difference between physical refining and chemical refining of edible oil is the way to remove free fatty acid(FFA). Meanwhile, the sequence of process is a little bit different. So you can choose the better method according to your conditions. If you want to know more about the refining of edible oil, if you want to make business about oil refining, Henan Glory can provide you the professional machines and service. Welcome to contact us!