Edible oil refining process systems
Refining crude oil into edible oil requires deep process knowledge—from degumming, neutralization and dewaxing through to bleaching, deodorizing and GE and 3-MCPD mitigation. Edible oil producers worldwide rely on Alfa Laval know-how to remove impurities and volatile components and optimize refining processes. Count on us to ensure optimal taste, aroma, stability, appearance and nutritional value of your edible oils while maximizing product quality, safety and yield.
Highly reliable, versatile, easy-to-operate systems for quality edible oils
- Broad range of robust, reliable and easy-to-operate components, equipment and systems for edible oil processing
- Knowledge and practical expertise to incorporate equipment into applications and innovative solutions
- Vast experience in edible oil processing system design, installation, commission, service and support
- High product quality and yield, low product loss and utility consumption
Alfa Laval is fully responsible and I don't have to worry about a thing." - Henk Vedder, Maintenance Manager, Cargill, Amsterdam.
Alfa Laval experts really know what to do, how to repair things and how to deal with the problems. We insist on always going back to Alfa Laval for after-sales service. - Haji Matan Ibrahim, Mill Manager/Chief Engineer of Kilang Sawit Bukit Bandi.
We get regular support from Alfa Laval team. We are happy with the Alfa Laval team.” - Ramhari Gaikwad, technical manager, Shalimar Nutrients.
Get the most out of your crude oil with time-tested edible oil refining process solutions that optimize quality, ensure food safety and maximize yield
Alfa Laval holds more than 3700 patents, of which some 140 are specifically for edible oil systems. We continuously invest in R&D to enhance core components and equipment with innovative technology that optimizes our customers processes.
Whether you need complete systems to refine for edible oils or components and equipment to upgrade your existing process lines, you can rest assured we have your back. What you get is optimal design, reliability, ease of use, higher product quality, lower product losses and costs, minimized waste, global expertise and local service. All of which contribute to higher earnings and lower lifecycle costs.
Our edible oil production line portfolio
After pressing and clarification, crude oil passes through a series of edible oil refining processes – each optimized to preserve product integrity and flavour:
- Degumming (water or physical refining for gum removal)
- Neutralization (chemical refining for free fatty acid removal)
- Dewaxing (cold stability)
- Bleaching (pigment and impurity removal)
- Deodorization under vacuum and steam (3‑MCPD and GE reduction)
Detailed stages of the edible oil refining process
The crude oil is transferred either to special degumming in the physical refining process, to water degumming, or directly to neutralization in the chemical refining process. In chemical refining, free fatty acids undergo a reaction to form aqueous soap, which is removed from the oil using centrifuges.
The physical edible oil refining process removes certain impurities – mainly phosphatides (phospholipids or gums) from the oil. Some oils, such as sunflower and corn oils, pass through a dewaxing step to achieve the prescribed cold stability to retain clarity at low temperatures.
Next, the bleaching process eliminates impurities, such as metals, soap residues and colour components. Finally, deodorization extends shelf life by breaking down residual colour, peroxides, or off-flavour compounds .
Volatile compounds, mostly fatty acids, are removed through steam stripping at 240° – 260°C under vacuum. This stage also produces fatty acid distillates, a valuable by-product of physical refining, though less common in chemical refining.
To cut operating costs further, Alfa Laval’s utility process systems help reduce your costs for power, water, steam, fuel, and cooling media across your edible oil refinery.
Optimize your edible oil production line
Maximize yield, quality, and safety with Alfa Laval’s edible oil refining solutions. With over 3,700 Alfa Laval patents – including more than 140 dedicated to edible oil systems, we optimize every stage of the refining process. Continuous R&D investment ensures our equipment evolves with innovative technology to boost performance, reduce losses, and improve efficiency.
Whether installing a complete edible oil refining system or upgrading individual components, Alfa Laval delivers solutions tailored to your needs. Expect optimal design, easy installation, intuitive operation, reliable performance, and minimal product loss. By combining global expertise with local service, you gain higher efficiency, lower life-cycle costs, and stronger returns for your business.
References
- More than 500 refineries (with neutralization/degumming, bleaching, deodorization)
- More than 140 dewaxing plants
- More than 75 dry fractionation plants
- More than 50 hydrogenation plants
- More than 30 interesterification plants
Publications
See an extensive list of peer-reviewed publications by Alfa Laval's experienced experts.
Optimizing the edible oil process
Turning crude oil into high-quality edible oil demands both expertise and precision. Alfa Laval brings extensive process knowledge across every refining stage – from degumming, neutralization, dewaxing, fat modification, bleaching, deodorization to GE and 3-MCPD mitigation. Our proven technologies ensure consistent quality, improved yields and greater efficiency while meeting food safety and sustainability requirements.
Our customers:
Let us help
Looking for a trusted partner who understands your business, its challenges and its opportunities? Depend on Alfa Laval to provide solutions to key challenges you face and optimize your edible oil processes based on the crude oils available.
Core Alfa Laval edible oil refinery equipment:
Webinars for the Edible Oil industry
Our experts share know-how to optimize edible oil refining processes, remove impurities and volatile components for better product quality, safety and yield.
