Oleochemicals

Fat Splitting

Fat splitting is essentially a homogeneous reaction that proceeds in stages. The fatty acid radicals are displaced from the triglycerides one at a time tri to di to mono glycerides. An in-complete splitting gives monoglycerides, diglycerides and triglycerides. Initially, the reaction proceeds slowly, limited by low solubility of water in oil phase.Later, the reaction proceeds rapidly due to greater solubility of water in fatty acids. The final stage is characterized by a diminishing reaction rate as fatty acids and glycerine (by product) liberated reach equilibrium.

Fat splitting is reversible reaction. At the point of equilibrium, the rate of hydrolysis and re-esterification are equal. Glycerine, by-product must be withdrawn continuously to force the reaction to completion.Increasing temperature and pressure accelerates the reaction because of increased solubility of water in oil phase and its higher activation energy.Full counter-current flow of oil and water gives a high degree of splitting, without the need of catalyst. However, a catalyst may be used to increase the reaction rate further.

Fatty Acid Distillation

Fatty acids produced from fat-splitting are purified and are separated into fractions. Distillation of crude fatty acids removes both low and high boiling impurities as well as odor bodies. Fatty acids are extremely sensitive to heat oxidation and corrosion effects.These factors are taken into consideration in the design of distillation unit and its operating parameters. Distillation is carried out under high vacuum and lower temperatures with the shortest allowable residence time.

Salient Features:

Effective heating to achieve short contact time and steam economy

Good circulation for effective mass transfer between vapor and condensate

Splitting in single column

Handles various feedstocks

Glycerine Production

Sweet water received from the fat splitting plant is processed to increase Glycerine concentration from 8% to 40%. This concentrated glycerine is then treated with chemicals and then concentrated up-to 85%. It is further distilled to get more concentrated Pharma Grade Glycerine.