Process for recovering sterols from a crude source containing sterol esters

US8318962B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cognis IP Management GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Sang I. Kang · Whitemarsh, US
• Joseph J. Falatek · Kankakee, US
• Brian P. Thiesen · Bourbonnais, US
• Kenneth R. Bicknell · Bourbonnais, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 20, 2007
• Grant date: Nov 27, 2012
• Expiry date: Jun 28, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02W30/74
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process of obtaining sterols suitable for human consumption from a crude wood pulping source containing sterol esters is disclosed. The sterols are obtained at high yield and purity. In particular, a process of obtaining sterols at high yield and purity from tall oil pitch (TOP) is disclosed. The sterols obtained can be esterified to sterol esters for use in dietary supplements and as additives for food and beverage products.