Enhancing the productivity of batch deodorizers for edible oils

Abstract

This paper addresses the potential of a process alternative aimed at improving the efficiency of batch deodorizers, coupling them to a small continuous desorption packed column: the steam exiting the batch deodorizer is fed to the bottom of the column, while the oil contained in the batch vessel is recycled through the top of the column and then returned to the vessel. This strongly increases the efficiency of separation, reducing stripping steam consumption by 16.5% and processing time by almost a half, from 3.0 h to 1.8 h. The required additional equipment consists of a small column section and a pump, that increase the cost of investment by 22% compared to conventional batch. Thus, the alternative here proposed achieved a pretty good preliminary economic assessment with a positive profit of 61,970 ($/year) above the conventional batch process. Overall, the semi-batch design proved to have a better performance than the batch mode in both economic and flexibility terms, while continuous is far better in economics but far worse in flexibility than both batch designs.