Oleochemical Plant

To create free fatty acids and glycerine the fats and oils are hydrolysed in a process of splitting. A splitting plant operates in both the continuous and batch mode. The plant temperatures can range from 210 – 250 degrees Celsius and the working pressure may be between 30 to 60 bars. These conditions have been assumed keeping in mind no addition of catalysts.A high yield of splitting is achieved when sweet water or glyceryl water is separated from the fat. A good yield can be more than 97% splitting. The raw fatty acids are allowed to evaporate to the atmosphere and the vapour is condensed with cooling. Subsequent to removing the floating fatty matter the water is drained. The fatty acids (CFA) are sent for distillation. The glyceryl water, which may contain about a fifth of glycerine, may be further purified with lime treatment and with filters. This is subsequently used to produce glycerine.