Magnesium Silicate and Organic Acid Adsorbent for Oil Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for purifying unrefined edible oils and fats are inadequate in removing impurities such as phosphorus compounds, chlorophyll, and entrained water, which are essential for achieving standards for cooking and consumption.
Innovation Solution
Contacting unrefined edible oils or fats with a combination of magnesium silicate and organic acids, such as citric or malic acid, as adsorbent materials to effectively remove impurities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional adsorbent materials (silica, clay) are used to purify unrefined edible oils, then the purification process is simple, but the removal efficiency of phosphorus compounds and chlorophyll is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite adsorbent materials combining magnesium silicate with organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, or lactic acid). This composite structure synergistically enhances the removal of phosphorus compounds and chlorophyll while maintaining operational simplicity. The magnesium silicate provides high surface area for adsorption, while the organic acids facilitate chemical complexation with impurities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical properties of the adsorbent by changing the pH and chemical composition parameters. The organic acids lower the pH and introduce functional groups that enhance affinity for phosphorus compounds and chlorophyll, thereby improving purification efficiency without significantly complicating the process.
2Manufacturing precision
If caustic solution (sodium hydroxide) is used to remove free fatty acids, then free fatty acid removal is effective, but soap and phosphorus compound removal requires additional complex treatment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple purification functions into a single adsorbent system. The magnesium silicate-organic acid composite simultaneously removes free fatty acids, phosphorus compounds, and chlorophyll in one treatment step, eliminating the need for separate caustic treatment followed by additional adsorption steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite adsorbent material performs multiple purification functions: it acts as a neutralizing agent for free fatty acids, an adsorbent for phosphorus compounds, and a chlorophyll remover. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall refining process while maintaining high efficiency for each impurity type.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate purification treatments are applied to remove different impurities, then comprehensive purification is achieved, but the processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple purification treatments into a single integrated process using the magnesium silicate-organic acid composite. All impurity removal activities (free fatty acid neutralization, phosphorus compound adsorption, chlorophyll removal) occur simultaneously in one contact step, dramatically reducing processing time while maintaining comprehensive purification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly improves the removal of impurities like phosphorus-containing compounds, chlorophyll, and water, ensuring the oils or fats meet accepted standards for trade and consumption.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the unrefined edible oil or fat with at least one adsorbent material comprising magnesium silicate
Implementation Method 2
a caustic solution, such as sodium hydroxide, is added to the oil or fat in order to convert free fatty acids into a corresponding soap molecule
Data Source
AI summary
The method of purifying an unrefined edible oil or fat by contacting the unrefined edible oil or fat with at least one adsorbent material. The at least one adsorbent material comprises magnesium silicate. The magnesium silicate may be used alone or in combination with other purifying materials, such as citric acid. Such method provides for improved removal of impurities, such as phosphorus-containing compounds, soap, chlorophyll, metals, and sterol glucosides from the unrefined edible oil or fat.