Multi-Stage Dry Condensing for Edible Oil Deodorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry condensing systems for edible oil deodorization face challenges in achieving extreme low deodorization pressures (0.5 to 1 mbar) while using ammonia as a heat transfer fluid, which is energy-inefficient and poses safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage dry condensing system using at least three different heat transfer fluids, each optimized for specific temperature and pressure ranges, to achieve efficient volume reduction and pressure increase steps, while replacing ammonia with safer alternatives like carbon dioxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ammonia is used as heat transfer fluid in dry condensing systems, then volume reduction is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the heat transfer fluid by replacing ammonia with carbon dioxide, which has different thermodynamic properties. This substitution maintains the volume reduction function while improving energy efficiency and safety, as CO2 operates at higher temperatures and pressures with better thermodynamic efficiency characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts carbon dioxide as a replacement for ammonia, using a safer, more environmentally friendly substance that is inherently less hazardous. This substitution eliminates the safety concerns associated with ammonia while maintaining the functional requirements of the dry condensing system.
2Quantity of substance
If ammonia is used as heat transfer fluid in dry condensing systems, then volume reduction is achieved, but safety and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ammonia with carbon dioxide, substituting a hazardous substance with a safe one. Carbon dioxide is non-toxic, non-flammable, and environmentally benign, eliminating the safety hazards and environmental concerns associated with ammonia while maintaining the volume reduction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the thermodynamic challenges of using CO2 into advantages by operating at higher temperatures and pressures, which improves energy efficiency and eliminates safety hazards. The substitution transforms a harmful substance into a safe one, turning potential risks into benefits.
3Temperature
If deodorization pressure is reduced to 0.5 to 1 mbar, then oil temperature can be lowered, but energy efficiency of existing systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the heat transfer fluid system by using carbon dioxide instead of ammonia. This enables the system to operate efficiently at the reduced pressures required for low-temperature deodorization, maintaining energy efficiency while achieving the desired temperature reduction.
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
The system achieves energy-efficient and cost-effective vacuum preservation at extreme low pressures, using safer heat transfer fluids that reduce environmental impact and operational risks.
Implementation Method 1
desubliming or condensing the stripping medium on cold surfaces internally cooled by a heat transfer fluid loop
Implementation Method 2
reducing the volume of the stripping medium by at a first intermediate pressure, by desubliming or condensing the stripping medium
Implementation Method 3
followed by a first pressure increase step
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for deodorizing an edible oil or fat. The method includes stripping substances from the oil or fat with a stripping medium at high temperature at a pressure of less than 5 mbar, and reducing volume and increasing pressure of the stripping medium in a multi-step process. In a first step the volume of the stripping medium is reduced by cooling it using a first heat transfer fluid loop at a first temperature, and the pressure is increased to a first intermediate pressure. In a second step the volume is reduced by cooling using a second heat transfer fluid loop at a second temperature, and it he pressure is increased to a second intermediate pressure. In a third step the volume is reduced by cooling using a third heat transfer fluid loop at a third temperature, and the pressure is increased to atmospheric pressure.