Neutralization plant for seed Oil & Rice bran Crude oil

🏭 NEUTRALIZATION PLANT – FOR SEED & RICE BRAN CRUDE OIL

🔹 Objective:

To remove free fatty acids (FFA), phospholipids, pigments, waxes, and impurities from crude oil using chemical treatment—primarily caustic soda (NaOH).

🔹 Oils Commonly Processed:

• 🌾 Rice Bran Oil

• 🌻 Sunflower Oil

• 🌱 Soybean Oil

• 🌰 Mustard/Rapeseed Oil

• 🌽 Corn/Maize Oil

• 🥜 Groundnut Oil

🔹 Key Stages in Neutralization Process:

1. Heating & Conditioning

• Crude oil is heated to ~60–70°C in a heat exchanger or direct steam tank.

• Maintains optimal conditions for alkali reaction.

2. Caustic Treatment (Alkali Neutralization)

• Caustic soda (NaOH) is added to:

  • Neutralize free fatty acids (FFA)

  • React with gums and pigments

• Forms soap stock, which settles and is later separated.

Note: Rice bran oil may require acid pretreatment (degumming) before this step to remove high gums (phospholipids).

3. Separation (Soap Stock Removal)

• Soap and other impurities settle or are separated via centrifuge.

• Sometimes followed by washing with water to remove residual soap.

4. Washing (Optional but Recommended)

• Multiple water washes to remove traces of soap, phosphates, and metals.

• Final oil is dried using vacuum dryer or hot-air stripping.

🔹 Final Product from Neutralization:

• Neutralized Oil (light color, low FFA)

• Soap Stock (used in soap or animal feed industries)

🔹 Flowchart Summary:

🔹 Key Equipment:

• Crude Oil Heating Tank

• Neutralization Reactor

• Caustic Dosing Unit

• Centrifuge / Settling Tank

• Water Washer

• Vacuum Dryer

• Oil Polishing Filter

• Pumps & Control Panel

🔹 Plant Capacity Options

🔹 Utilities Required:

• Steam boiler

• Cooling water system

• Power supply

• Vacuum pump (for drying)

• Storage tanks for oil and soap stock