How does the air degumming machine help in removing phospholipids and other impurities from crude oil?

Phospholipids, or gums, are naturally present in crude oil and are one of the main impurities that need to be removed for refining. The air degumming machine works by injecting compressed air or air bubbles into the crude oil. This air injection serves as the catalyst for the degumming process. The turbulence created by the air helps to disperse the phospholipids throughout the oil. The phospholipids, which are hydrophilic (water-attracting), then aggregate or flocculate into larger particles, making it easier to separate them from the oil. This physical separation ensures that these impurities, which would otherwise degrade the quality of the refined oil, are removed effectively.

Phospholipids consist of both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts. The air degumming process promotes the hydration of phospholipids by introducing moisture, which causes them to swell and form larger, more viscous aggregates. This increased viscosity makes it easier to separate the phospholipids from the oil, as the gum-like particles become heavier and settle more quickly or are filtered out. Hydration is a crucial step in degumming, as it enhances the removal of gums without the need for harsh chemical treatments.

In addition to phospholipids, crude oil can contain various other impurities, such as free fatty acids, proteins, trace metals, wax, and pigments. These contaminants can affect the final product’s quality and safety. The air degumming machine not only targets phospholipids but also assists in removing these other impurities. The agitation and air bubbles facilitate the separation of these substances, either by precipitation or by binding to the flocculated phospholipids, thereby allowing them to be removed in one unified step. The effectiveness of the air injection ensures that the oil becomes cleaner and more refined without compromising the valuable oil content.

After the phospholipids and other impurities have been removed from the oil, the air degumming machine employs various separation technologies, such as centrifugation, filtration, or sedimentation, to separate the gums and solids from the refined oil. Centrifugation utilizes centrifugal force to separate the heavier impurities from the lighter oil, while filtration and sedimentation methods allow for the removal of fine particulates. This ensures that the oil is left with minimal contamination, achieving a high degree of purity. The separation process is optimized to avoid excessive oil loss, making the degumming process more cost-effective and efficient.

One of the most significant advantages of the air degumming machine is its ability to minimize oil loss. Traditional chemical degumming processes often require the use of acidic solutions or water, which can lead to the loss of valuable oil along with the removal of impurities. In contrast, the air degumming method is a physical process, where air bubbles interact with the oil to remove the impurities without the need for additional solvents. As a result, the air degumming process ensures that most of the oil remains intact, increasing the yield and improving overall process efficiency. This not only reduces waste but also enhances the economic viability of the refining process.

The removal of phospholipids and other impurities through the air degumming process significantly enhances the quality of the oil. Gums, if left in the oil, can cause undesirable color, odor, and taste in edible oils. By removing these substances, the air degumming machine ensures that the oil maintains its natural flavor, clear color, and pleasant odor. The process improves the oxidative stability of the oil, making it less prone to spoilage over time. The degummed oil is more suitable for further refining steps like neutralization, deodorization, and bleaching, which further improve its quality and ensure compliance with industry standards for edible oils.