Oleochemicals - Fat Splitting
Two continuous processes are normally proposed by C.M. BERNARDINI for oils/fats splitting. Both processes are based on high temperature/pressure hydrolytic splitting.
Multi Tower Splitting
This process is used for capacities up to 40-50 tons per days. The splitting towers operate at a pressure of approx. 30 bar and adopt the principle of the countercurrent flow of water and fat in a number of autoclaves in series.
This system allows highly concentrated sweet waters to be obtained and offers the following advantages:
- High splitting degree
- Low water, steam and power requirements
- Easy operation
- Flexibility of operation
Flash steam is reutilized to pre-concentrate the sweet water in a single or double effect. By this system the sweet water concentration is about 40% and then a small final effect is enough to concentrate the glycerine up to 88%.
Furthermore, the flashed steam condensate is re-used as process water, thus reducing the water make up and consequently the treated water consumption. C.M. BERNARDINI plant can be designed to utilize as heating medium diathermic oil or high pressure steam according to client's requirements; splitting degree obtainable is in the range of 96/98% according to the raw material. Sweet water concentration upstream of the preconcentration unit is in the range of 14-16%.
Single Tower High Pressure (60 BAR) Splitting
The single tower operates at a pressure of 60 bar and is composed of three main sections:
- A central section where splitting occurs
- A top selection of heat exchange where the outgoing fatty acids preheat the incoming water
- A bottom section acting as a hold-up for sweet water and as a heat exchange section where the outgoing sweet water preheats the incoming fat.
Heating is by direct steam injection under automatic temperature control. Splitting degree is normally above 99% and the sweet water concentration is in the range of 20-25% after the preconcentration.