The deodorising process vessel has a batch size of 25 litres and is mounted in a floor-standing stainless steel framework which also houses the high vacuum equipment, control console, discharge pump and polishing filter.

The deodorising process vessel has a batch size of 25 litres and is mounted in a floor-standing stainless steel framework which also houses the high vacuum equipment, control console, discharge pump and polishing filter.

A 4.5kW electrical heating element is incorporated in the vessel to heat the oil to temperatures of up to 250°C. The vessel also contains a special steam distribution tube which allows the thorough steam/oil mixing required.

Operating temperature is selected on an electronic temperature controller and is recorded on a continuous chart recorder both of which are housed in the control console.

An immersed cooling water coil provides a means of reducing the oil temperature on completion of the process.
Fatty acids and other compounds carried over with the steam are condensed in a spray type condenser and they pass to drain with the sealing water of the liquid ring vacuum pump.

On completion of the deodorising process, the oil is pumped out of the vessel through a 'polishing' filter which removes any remaining particles in the finished oil.

The deodoriser vessel is designed in accordance with the BS 5500 code for pressure vessels.

Deodorising : The oil is heated under vacuum using direct steam to provide the agitation for good heat transfer. When the desired temperature and pressure are achieved, the direct steam injection is adjusted to impart a high degree of turbulence to the oil which ensures good physical contact of the steam with the oil. The impurities are carried over in the vapour and condensed in the vacuum condenser, the resulting condensate blending with the liquid ring vacuum pump sealant to be discharged to drain.

Polishing : After deodorisation, the oil refining process is complete and the oil can be consumed or used in the manufacture of other products. It must therefore be free of any trace of contaminants and, to achieve this, it is pumped through a fine 'polishing' filter which removes particles down to 6.0 micron giving a bright oil as product.