Common Problems and Solutions in the Deodorization Process of Small and Medium-Scale Oil Mills: Achieving a Win-Win Situation of Low Emission Compliance and Stable Quality

QI ' E Group

2025-09-08

Solution

Small and medium-scale oil mills often encounter issues such as odor residue, excessive emissions, or quality fluctuations due to improper control of the deodorization process. This article delves into the four core processes of soybean oil refining - degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization, revealing common problems at each step and scientific countermeasures. For example, pH value fluctuations affect emulsion stability, and insufficient waste gas treatment equipment leads to environmental risks. Combining energy-saving techniques with local equipment selection suggestions, it provides a full - process solution for low - emission compliance and stable quality, helping small and medium - sized grain and oil processing plants achieve both efficient production and a good market reputation.

Typical Pain Points in the Deodorization Stage of Small and Medium-sized Oil Mills

You may have encountered some of these problems in your small or medium-sized oil mill. In the deodorization stage, common issues include odor residue, high energy consumption, and non-compliance with environmental regulations. For instance, statistics show that about 60% of small and medium-sized oil mills struggle with odor problems, which not only affect the quality of the soybean oil but also cause discomfort to the working environment. High energy consumption is another headache, with energy costs accounting for up to 30% of the total production cost in some mills. And environmental non - compliance can lead to fines and reputational damage.

Step-by-step Explanation of Soybean Oil Refining Processes

Degumming

The degumming process is the first step in soybean oil refining. Its main purpose is to remove phospholipids and other impurities from crude oil. The key parameter to control here is the pH value. Fluctuations in pH can affect the emulsification stability. For example, if the pH is too high or too low, the separation of phospholipids from the oil may not be efficient. A common problem is the incomplete removal of phospholipids, which can lead to turbidity in the refined oil. To solve this, you can adjust the pH value within the range of 4.5 - 5.5 and use appropriate degumming agents.

Neutralization

Neutralization aims to remove free fatty acids from the oil. The key is to control the amount of alkali added. If too much alkali is added, it can cause saponification and increase the loss of oil. On the other hand, insufficient alkali addition will result in incomplete removal of free fatty acids. A practical solution is to conduct pre - tests to determine the optimal alkali dosage based on the acid value of the crude oil.

Bleaching

Bleaching is used to remove pigments and other impurities from the oil. The key parameter is the amount of bleaching earth used. Using too little bleaching earth will not achieve the desired bleaching effect, while using too much will increase costs. Generally, the dosage of bleaching earth is about 2% - 3% of the oil weight. A common problem is the residual odor caused by the bleaching earth. You can use high - quality bleaching earth and improve the filtration process to solve this problem.

Deodorization

Deodorization is the final and crucial step in soybean oil refining. It removes odorous substances from the oil. Key parameters include temperature and vacuum degree. High temperature can effectively remove odors, but it may also cause the degradation of some nutrients in the oil. A typical problem is the odor residue due to improper temperature control. You can control the temperature within 220 - 240°C and maintain a high - vacuum environment.

Energy - saving and Environmental Protection Measures

Energy - saving is an important aspect of small and medium - sized oil mills. For example, heat recovery systems can be installed to reuse the heat generated during the refining process, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 20%. In terms of environmental protection,废气处理系统 is essential. Many small and medium - sized oil mills have insufficient waste gas treatment equipment, which poses environmental risks. You should invest in proper waste gas treatment systems to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Modular Equipment and After - sales Support

Modular equipment has many advantages for overseas customers. It is easy to install, operate, and maintain. In addition, reliable after - sales support is crucial. We provide 24/7 technical support and regular equipment maintenance services to ensure the normal operation of your oil mill.

"According to a case study of a small oil mill in South America, after upgrading their refining equipment and optimizing the processes, their energy consumption decreased by 18%, and the quality of their soybean oil improved significantly, leading to a 25% increase in market share."

Get Your Practical Toolkit

Click to download the 《Common Error Troubleshooting List》 → Improve your refining efficiency. Our toolkit also includes operation guides and process checklists, which can help you solve various problems in soybean oil refining and achieve low - emission compliance and stable product quality.