Degumming is the first stage in the edible oil refining process. It is sued to separate the gums, phospholipids, proteins etc. In the degumming process, the gums are precipitated and separated by the centrifugal separation technique. If the gum content in the oil is low, only gum-conditioning is required to be done and there is no need to go for separate degumming process. The degumming can be carried out in the same neutralization vessel.

Degumming workshop of edible oil

Purpose of Degumming

Commercial Lecithin production

Prevent crude oil settling during storage or transport

Waste water (prevent acidulation of gums)

Physical Refining

Reduction in neutralisation losses


Gum content of various oils

gums content of various oils

Gums——Two main types

– Hydratable Phosphatides - easy to remove

– Non-Hydratable Phosphatides (NHP) - hard to remove from oil

• Some NHP removed with hydratables in water degumming

• requires the use of a acid to convert to hydratable for complete removal

 

Water Degumming Process Steps

Heat oil to 60 - 70℃

Water addition and mixing

Hydration mixing 30 minutes

Centrifugal separation of hydrated gums

Vacuum drying of degummed oil

Gums - dried for edible lecithin or recombined in meal

 
Water degumming process ( Click here to see larger water deguming process flow chart)
 

Water Degumming——Target Results

Phosphorous in oil - 50 to 200 ppm max.

AI% in dried gums - 65 to 70%

Moisture in dried oil - < 0.1%

 

Acid Degumming Process Steps

Heat oil to 60 - 70℃

Acid addition and mixing

Hydration mixing 30 minutes

Centrifugal separation of hydrated gums

Vacuum drying of degummed oil

Gums - recombined in meal

 
Acid degumming process (Click here to see larger Acid degumming process flow chart)
 

Acid Degumming——Target Results

Phosphorous in oil - 20 to 50 ppm max.

AI% in dried gums - 65 to 70%

Moisture in dried oil - < 0.1%