Soap Stock Splitting
Soap Stock Splitting & Phosphatide Removal
Soap stock is a by-product of chemical neutralization of oils and fats. Processors can split this stock into fatty acids and water through acidification with strong acids like sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. During the separation phase, phosphatides significantly affect the splitting process. In particular, they form stable emulsions. Therefore, secondary saponification prevents this issue to a large extent.
Secondary Saponification & Splitting Process
For this reason, operators expose the soap stock to higher-than-normal temperatures and pressures. During the reaction time under these conditions, a portion of the phosphatides in the neutral oil saponify. As a result, they produce by-products. After saponification, operators add dilution water in the intermediate tank. Then they convey the soap stock to the splitting process.
Inside the splitting tank, they reduce the pH value with the addition of a strong acid. Consequently, the soap stock breaks down into fatty acid and water. These components then distribute into a static decanting vessel. The split fatty acid can be directly processed. Finally, the acid water is conveyed to a fat separator with an upstream flotation chamber. The de-fatted water is neutralized along with caustic soda.
Key Benefits
- Prevents stable emulsions caused by phosphatides
- Improves splitting efficiency through secondary saponification
- Maximizes fatty acid recovery
- Reduces waste and environmental impact
- Supports sustainable oil processing
Process Images
Also check out, “Esterification“