Physical Refining Plant

🔹 What is Physical Refining?

Physical refining is a method of purifying edible oils where free fatty acids (FFA) and other impurities are removed without using caustic soda (as in chemical refining). Instead, it uses steam distillation and vacuum systems.

🔹 Suitable Oils for Physical Refining

• 🌴 Palm oil

• 🥥 Coconut oil

• 🌾 Rice bran oil

• 🌻 Sunflower oil (low gum content)

• 🌽 Corn oil (if degummed)

🔹 Key Advantages

🔹 Major Processing Stages

1. Degumming (Water or Acid):

   • Removes phospholipids/gums to prepare for steam distillation.

   • Critical step before physical refining.

2. Bleaching:

   • Uses activated earth or carbon to remove color pigments, metals, and residual soap.

   • Oil becomes lighter in color.

3. Deodorization (Steam Stripping):

   • High-temperature steam under vacuum removes:

     • Free fatty acids (FFA)

     • Odor-causing compounds

   • Typical temp: 220–260°C

4. Cooling & Polishing Filter:

   • Ensures clarity and stability of the final product.

🔹 Final Product

• Refined, Deodorized, Bleached (RBD) Oil: Safe, odorless, edible-grade oil ready for packaging or further use (e.g., margarine, frying oil, biodiesel).

🔹 Capacity Range

🔹 Required Equipment

• Degumming tank

• Bleacher & vacuum dryer

• Deodorizer tower

• Steam generator & vacuum pump

• Heat exchangers

• Oil polish filters

• Oil storage tanks

• Control panel (PLC/SCADA optional)

🔹 Utilities Needed

• Boiler (steam)

• Cooling water system

• Vacuum system

• Power (electricity)

🔹 Common Applications

• Edible oil packaging (retail/bulk)

• Margarine and shortening plants

• Biodiesel feedstock preparation

• Industrial-grade neutral oils

✅ Ideal For:

• Palm oil refineries

• Export-grade oil production

• Clean-tech oil processing industries