Sistemas de procesos de refinado de aceites vegetales
El refinado de aceite crudo exige controlar cada etapa: desgomado, neutralización, desparafinación, blanqueo y desodorización para mejorar pureza, sabor y reducir compuestos como GE y 3-MCPD. Las soluciones avanzadas de Alfa Laval optimizan toda la línea de producción de aceites comestibles, permitiendo a los fabricantes ofrecer una calidad constante, elevar los estándares de seguridad alimentaria, disminuir los costos operativos y responder eficientemente a la creciente demanda del mercado.
Sistemas versátiles, altamente confiables y fáciles de operar para aceites comestibles de calidad
- Gama amplia de componentes, equipos y sistemas robustos, confiables y fáciles de operar
- Experiencia para integrar equipos de procesamiento de aceites comestibles en aplicaciones personalizadas
- Vasta experiencia en el diseño, instalación, comisionamiento, y servicio y soporte de sistemas de refinado de aceites comestibles
- Alta calidad y rendimiento del producto con mínimas pérdidas y menor uso de servicios públicos
Alfa Laval es totalmente responsable y no tengo que preocuparme por nada". - Henk Vedder, Gerente de Mantenimiento, Cargill, Ámsterdam.
Los expertos de Alfa Laval realmente saben qué hacer, cómo reparar las cosas y cómo lidiar con los problemas. Insistimos en volver siempre a Alfa Laval para el servicio posventa". - Haji Matan Ibrahim, Gerente de Planta/Ingeniero Jefe de Kilang Sawit Bukit Bandi.
Recibimos soporte regular del equipo de Alfa Laval. Estamos contentos con el equipo de Alfa Laval". - Ramhari Gaikwad, Gerente Técnico, Shalimar Nutrients.
Our edible oil production line portfolio
After pressing and clarification, crude oil passes through a series of edible oil refining processes – each optimized to preserve product integrity and flavour:
- Degumming (water or physical refining for gum removal)
- Neutralization (chemical refining for free fatty acid removal)
- Dewaxing (cold stability)
- Bleaching (pigment and impurity removal)
- Deodorization under vacuum and steam (3‑MCPD and GE reduction)
Detailed stages of the edible oil refining process
The crude oil is transferred either to special degumming in the physical refining process, to water degumming, or directly to neutralization in the chemical refining process. In chemical refining, free fatty acids undergo a reaction to form aqueous soap, which is removed from the oil using centrifuges.
The physical edible oil refining process removes certain impurities – mainly phosphatides (phospholipids or gums) from the oil. Some oils, such as sunflower and corn oils, pass through a dewaxing step to achieve the prescribed cold stability to retain clarity at low temperatures.
Next, the bleaching process eliminates impurities, such as metals, soap residues and colour components. Finally, deodorization extends shelf life by breaking down residual colour, peroxides, or off-flavour compounds .
Volatile compounds, mostly fatty acids, are removed through steam stripping at 240° – 260°C under vacuum. This stage also produces fatty acid distillates, a valuable by-product of physical refining, though less common in chemical refining.
To cut operating costs further, Alfa Laval’s utility process systems help reduce your costs for power, water, steam, fuel, and cooling media across your edible oil refinery.
Optimize your edible oil production line
Maximize yield, quality, and safety with Alfa Laval’s edible oil refining solutions. With over 3,700 Alfa Laval patents – including more than 140 dedicated to edible oil systems, we optimize every stage of the refining process. Continuous R&D investment ensures our equipment evolves with innovative technology to boost performance, reduce losses, and improve efficiency.
Whether installing a complete edible oil refining system or upgrading individual components, Alfa Laval delivers solutions tailored to your needs. Expect optimal design, easy installation, intuitive operation, reliable performance, and minimal product loss. By combining global expertise with local service, you gain higher efficiency, lower life-cycle costs, and stronger returns for your business.
Our customers:
References
- More than 500 refineries (with neutralization/degumming, bleaching, deodorization)
- More than 140 dewaxing plants
- More than 75 dry fractionation plants
- More than 50 hydrogenation plants
- More than 30 interesterification plants
Publications
See an extensive list of peer-reviewed publications by Alfa Laval's experienced experts.
Our expert says
Core Alfa Laval edible oil refinery equipment:
Webinar para la industria del aceite alimentario
Nuestros expertos comparten conocimientos para optimizar los procesos de refinado de aceites alimentarios, eliminar impurezas y componentes volátiles, con vistas a una mejor calidad, seguridad y rendimiento del producto.
