PUFA Oil Refining to Limit MCPD and Glycidyl Ester Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processes fail to effectively prevent or reduce the formation of fatty acid esters of monochloropropanediol and epoxypropanol in refined oils, particularly those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can lead to undesirable organoleptic properties and health concerns.

Innovation Solution

A refining process involving the use of silica, activated carbon, and bleaching earth, combined with steam deodorization, is employed to treat oils, reducing the levels of fatty acid esters of monochloropropanediol and epoxypropanol to 10 ppm or less.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional refining processes are used to remove oxidation-prone compounds, then the oil quality improves, but fatty acid esters of monochloropropanediol and epoxypropanol are formed during deodorization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation resistanceVSAvoidfatty acid ester formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by treating the oil with silica, bleaching earth, and activated carbon before deodorization to remove precursors and impurities that would otherwise react during deodorization to form harmful fatty acid esters. This pre-treatment prevents the formation problem rather than addressing it after occurrence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses silica, bleaching earth, and activated carbon as intermediary substances that facilitate the removal of harmful compounds without directly causing the formation of fatty acid esters. These intermediaries mediate between the crude oil and the final refined product, enabling purification while minimizing harmful byproduct formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If deodorization is performed to remove undesirable compounds, then organoleptic properties improve, but fatty acid esters of monochloropropanediol and epoxypropanol are formed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorganoleptic qualityVSAvoidfatty acid ester content
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary treatment with silica, bleaching earth, and activated carbon to remove compounds that would otherwise react during deodorization to form harmful esters. This preliminary action ensures that when deodorization occurs, the organoleptic properties improve without significant formation of unwanted fatty acid esters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies process parameters during deodorization, specifically controlling temperature, steam injection rate, and residence time, to optimize the removal of undesirable compounds while minimizing the formation of fatty acid esters. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the process achieves improved organoleptic quality without excessive harmful byproduct formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If refining processes are applied to reduce oxidation-prone compounds, then oil stability improves, but harmful esters are formed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidative stabilityVSAvoidmonochloropropanediol and epoxypropanol esters
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary treatment with silica, bleaching earth, and activated carbon to remove precursors and impurities before deodorization. This pre-treatment enhances oxidative stability by removing oxidation-prone compounds while preventing the formation of harmful esters that would otherwise form during subsequent deodorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses silica, bleaching earth, and activated carbon as intermediary substances that enable the removal of oxidation-prone compounds without causing the formation of harmful esters. These intermediaries facilitate purification while maintaining oxidative stability and minimizing harmful byproduct formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 process significantly decreases the levels of these esters, improving the quality and safety of oils by minimizing undesirable odors and tastes while maintaining high polyunsaturated fatty acid content.

Implementation Method 1

treating the oil with at least one of a silica, a bleaching earth, an activated carbon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

deodorizing the oil, wherein the oil is subjected to steam under heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

the process significantly decreases the levels of these esters, improving the quality and safety of oils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal degradation: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3341457B1Refined oil compositions and methods for making
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 DSM IP ASSETS BV

AI summary

A refined oil comprising at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), wherein the oil has a fatty acid ester of monochloropropanediol, epoxypropanol, and mixtures thereof in an amount of 10 ppm or less, and processes for producing the oil. The oil is preferably a microbial or marine oil.