Technological innovation in batch deodorization for pesticide-free natural antioxidant enriched products

LAORETANI, DANIELA SOLEDAD; FISCHER, CARLOS DANIEL

Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires

Congreso; 11th World Congress of Chemical Engineering; 2023

Asociación Argentina de Ingenieros Químicos

This study explores a new approach to improve the efficiency of batch deodorizers by incorporating a small semi-continuous desorption packed column. The purpose of this approach is to obtain tocopherols concentrate from deodorizer distillate of edible oils (DDO), which is produced during the deodorization process of oils to remove pesticides, free fatty acids (FFAs), and some tocopherols and phytosterols. Due to the low production capacity and versatility of the products to be processed, the batch technology is ideal for this case study. The small semi-continuous desorption packed column is placed inside the vessel. In this case, the gaseous steam exiting the batch deodorizer is fed to the bottom of the column, while the DDO contained in the vessel is recycled to the top of the column and then returned to the vessel. The results show that the proposed alternative process enhances the efficiency of separating pesticides and FFAs, resulting in a product rich in natural antioxidants. Also reduces steam consumption and processing time. The design proved to have better performance than the batch mode in both economic and flexibility terms. This achieved a good preliminary economic assessment, resulting in a positive profit above the conventional batch process. The incremental investment cost for the required additional equipment, a small column section, and a pump, is low. This technology innovation is cost-effective, provides a positive economic assessment, and can be considered for further study and implementation.