METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PREPARING LYSOLECITHIN

Claims

Methods, such as continuous methods, and systems for producing lysolecithin. The methods may include contacting a stream containing lecithin and a hydrolysis agent. The stream can then be heated and / or mixed to form an emulsion, which can improve the efficiency of the processes.

1. A method for producing a product, such as a continuous method, characterized in that the method comprises: providing a first stream comprising lecithin and water, wherein the water is present in the first stream at a concentration of about 10% by weight to about 300% by weight, depending on the weight of the lecithin; contacting the first stream and a hydrolysis agent to form a second stream, wherein the hydrolysis agent is effective in promoting a hydrolysis reaction of the lecithin; subjecting the second stream to heating, mixing, or a combination thereof for an effective time to form a third stream comprising an emulsion;and subjecting the third stream to heating, mixing, or a combination thereof for a time effective to drive the hydrolysis reaction to the desired rate, to the desired extent, or a combination thereof, to convert at least a portion of the lecithin into a product, wherein the subjection of the third stream to heating, mixing, or a combination thereof does not occur in the presence of an organic liquid; wherein the product comprises lysolecithin; and wherein, optionally, the effective time to convert at least a portion of the lecithin into the product is from about 30 seconds to about 4 hours.