Why is Degumming Necessary in Oil Refining?

Gum impurities cause multiple issues in oil processing:

• Interfere with alkaline refining, leading to emulsification and higher refining losses.
• Increase adsorbent consumption during decolorization, reducing effectiveness.
• Affect deodorization efficiency, leaving unwanted flavors and odors.
• Reduce shelf life by promoting oxidation and rancidity.

Thus, degumming is the first essential step before deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization in the oil refining process.

Common Degumming Methods in Oil Refining Plants

1. Hydrated Degumming (Most Common Method)

Hydrated degumming removes hydratable phospholipids and some non-hydratable phospholipids by adding hot water or electrolyte solutions (e.g., salt, phosphoric acid).

Working Principle:

• Phospholipids and other gums are hydrophilic (water-attracting).
• When hot water or acid solution is mixed with crude oil, gums absorb water, swell, and coagulate.
• The coagulated gums are then separated via centrifugation or sedimentation.

Applications of Extracted Gums:

• Lecithin production (used in food, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed).
• Industrial applications in emulsifiers and surfactants.

2. Acid Refining Degumming

For non-hydratable phospholipids, acid refining (using citric or phosphoric acid) is required. This method:

• Breaks down metal-phospholipid complexes for easier removal.
• Improves oil quality for physical refining processes.

3. Other Degumming Techniques

• Alkali Refining: Neutralizes free fatty acids while removing gums.
• Adsorption Method: Uses activated clay or silica to absorb impurities.
• Enzymatic Degumming: Eco-friendly method using phospholipase enzymes.
• Membrane Degumming: Advanced filtration technique for high-purity oil.

Hydrated Degumming Process in Oil Refining Plants Process:

• Heating Crude Oil: Oil is heated to 60-80°C for optimal viscosity.
• Water Addition: 2-3% hot water (or acid solution) is mixed into the oil.
• Stirring & Reaction Time: Gums hydrate and coagulate over 20-30 minutes.
• Separation: Centrifuges or settling tanks remove coagulated gums.
• Drying: Residual moisture is evaporated under vacuum conditions.

Types of Degumming Production Lines:

Production Capacity	Recommended System
1-10 tons/day	Intermittent Batch
20-50 tons/day	Semi-Continuous
50+ tons/day	Fully Continuous

Most small to medium oil refining plants use intermittent hydrated degumming due to its cost-effectiveness and simplicity.

Benefits of Proper Degumming in Oil Refining

• Improves oil clarity and stability
• Reduces refining losses and chemical usage
• Enhances efficiency in downstream processes (decolorization, deodorization)
• Increases shelf life of final edible oil products
• Enables lecithin recovery for additional revenue

The degumming process in oil refining plants is a vital purification step that ensures high-quality edible oil production. By using hydrated degumming, acid refining, or enzymatic methods, manufacturers can eliminate gums, improve processing efficiency, and enhance oil marketability. For optimal results, select the right degumming method based on your crude oil type, production capacity, and end-use requirements.

Need a customized degumming solution for your oil refining plant? Contact our experts today!