Edible Oil Deodorizing Tower Steam Stripping Vacuum Deodorization Equipment

Deodorization is the final and most delicate stage of edible oil refining. Even after degumming, deacidification and bleaching, the oil still carries free fatty acids, aldehydes, ketones and other volatile compounds that give it an unpleasant odour and a poor flavour. The Edible Oil Deodorizing Tower removes these impurities by steam stripping under a deep vacuum.

The tower is a tall, fully stainless steel vessel fitted with structured packing and a distribution tray system. Deodorizing steam is injected at the bottom and rises counter current to the pre heated oil falling through the packing. The intimate contact between steam and oil at a low absolute pressure lets the volatile components evaporate at a temperature that protects the oil from thermal damage.

Automatic control of vacuum, temperature and steam flow keeps the process within tight limits, so the finished oil reaches a free fatty acid level below 0.05 percent and a peroxide value suitable for premium retail brands. The tower can be supplied as a stand alone unit or as part of a complete degumming to deodorization refining line.

• Deep Vacuum Operation: A working pressure as low as 3 mm Hg allows deodorization at a moderate temperature, preserving natural tocopherols and avoiding oil darkening.
• Structured Packing: High efficiency structured packing gives a large contact area in a compact shell, shortening stripping time and reducing steam consumption.
• Direct Steam Stripping: Food grade direct steam carries away volatile odour bodies and free fatty acids, with a steam saving ejector system recovering part of the energy.
• Stainless Steel Contact: All wetted parts are made from stainless steel 304 or 316L, so the oil never contacts carbon steel and product quality is protected.
• Precise Control: PLC control of vacuum, temperature, steam and level ensures a consistent output and a quick response to changes in feed quality.
• Integrated Heat Recovery: Oil leaving the tower exchanges heat with the incoming oil through a plate exchanger, cutting both fuel demand and cooling load.

The Edible Oil Deodorizing Tower is used in the refining of soybean, rapeseed, sunflower, cottonseed, peanut, palm and rice bran oil. It is the last stage of a chemical or physical refining line and is also used in the continuous deodorization of shortening and margarine base oils. It suits both small batch refiners and large continuous plants.

The deodorizing tower is delivered as flanged cylindrical sections with the packing, distribution tray and steam sparger packed separately and protected against impact. All nozzles are capped and the internal surface is cleaned for food contact before shipment. Assembly drawings, commissioning support and a full spare parts list are supplied, and the tower carries a twelve month warranty against manufacturing defects.