{"id":876,"date":"2026-05-08T08:39:39","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T08:39:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qiepalmoilplant.com\/?p=876"},"modified":"2026-06-30T03:18:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T03:18:56","slug":"palm-oil-physical-refining-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qiepalmoilplant.com\/fr\/news\/palm-oil-physical-refining-process.html","title":{"rendered":"Palm Oil Physical Refining Process"},"content":{"rendered":"

Physical refining is a streamlined distillation process tailored specifically for crude palm oil, which typically contains high levels of free fatty acids but low concentrations of gums. Unlike chemical refining, which uses caustic soda to neutralize acids, this method utilizes high-heat steam distillation to remove impurities. The result is a highly efficient operation that produces Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO) while minimizing neutral oil loss.<\/p>\n

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Palm Oil Physical Refining Process<\/h2>\n

Oil physical refining process, also called as oil steam refining. During the degumming section in the palm oil milling plant, the gum will be removed from palm oil by utilizing phosphoric acid or citric acid. Next to bleaching section, the coloring matter and other metal ions will be absorbed or removed. Then, in the deacidification and and deodorization section, the crude palm oil will be processed within low pressure and high temperature. Through live stem, the FFA will be stripped of and the odors and colors will be removed or absorbed.<\/p>\n

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Pre-treatment and Degumming<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The process begins by removing “gums” (phosphatides) that can cause the oil to darken or foam during heating. Crude palm oil is mixed with a small amount of food-grade phosphoric acid (0.05%\u20130.1%), which converts non-hydratable phosphatides into a form that can be easily absorbed and removed. This stage is critical because residual gums can interfere with the efficiency of the later deacidification step.<\/p>\n

Bleaching<\/a> and Filtration<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once degummed, the oil is mixed with activated bleaching earth under a vacuum. This clay-like material acts as a sponge, pulling out carotenes (the source of palm oil’s deep orange color), trace metals, and oxidation products. The mixture is then passed through a “leaf filter” to remove the spent earth, resulting in a clear, light-yellow “bleached” oil that is ready for high-temperature processing.<\/p>\n

Deacidification<\/a> and Deodorization<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

In this dual-purpose stage, the bleached oil is heated to 240\u2013260\u00b0C inside a deodorizing tower under a high vacuum. As “live” steam is injected, it strips away the Free Fatty Acids (FFAs) and volatile odor compounds. Unlike chemical refining, which turns these acids into soap, physical refining vaporizes them, allowing them to be condensed and recovered as a valuable by-product.<\/p>\n

Cooling and Fractionation<\/a> Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n

After the impurities are removed, the oil is rapidly cooled through heat exchangers to stabilize its flavor and prevent oxidation. The final product at this stage is Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO). Depending on the intended use, the oil may then undergo fractionation, where it is cooled further to separate it into liquid Olein (for cooking oil) and solid Stearin (for fats like margarine).<\/p>\n

By-product Recovery (PFAD)<\/strong><\/p>\n

A standout feature of physical refining is the collection of Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD). The vapors removed during the deacidification stage are condensed into this fatty substance. Because it is highly concentrated in FFAs, PFAD is sold separately as a raw material for the chemical, soap, and biodiesel industries, providing a significant secondary revenue stream for the refinery.<\/p>\n

Why is it better to use physical refining process to refine palm oil?<\/h3>\n

Physical refining is generally preferred for palm oil because it offers a higher oil yield, lower production costs, and a significantly reduced environmental impact compared to chemical refining.<\/p>\n