Process for removing free fatty acids from fats and oils of biological origin or their steam distillates

US6579996B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Siegfried Peter · Erlangen, DE
• Eckhard Weidner · Erlangen, DE
• Martin Drescher · Nuremberg, DE
• Wolfgang Konig · Hofheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 20, 2001
• Grant date: Jun 17, 2003
• Expiry date: Nov 29, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C11B3/06
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for removing free fatty acids from fats or oils of biological origin or their steam distillates by extracting the free fatty acids with a mixture of basic organic nitrogen compounds and water as an extraction medium at a temperature below the boiling point of the organic nitrogen compounds. The content of the basic organic nitrogen compounds in the extraction medium is 20-30% by weight. In this manner, the formation of a viscous soapstock which is difficult to remove is prevented. The boiling point of the basic organic nitrogen compounds used is the same as or above boiling point of water and below the boiling point of the fatty acids to be extracted in order to enable simple recovery of the extraction medium.