Raw material : Oils which is to be saturated and pure hydrogen.

Process flow sheet: Illustrated in Figure.

Figure 31.2 Flow sheet of hydrogenation of vegetable oils

 

31b.2 Functional role of main units (Figure 31.2):

(a)  Hydrogenator:

• • Oil is fed to the hydrogenator.

• Hydrogen, and steam is introduced in it.

• The catalyst oil slurry of concentration 5 to 15 kg per ton of oil is also put.

• The reaction is slightly exothermic so steam is sometimes turned off.

(b)  Deodorizer:

• • The hydrogenated oil is now fed to vacuum steam deodorizer.

• It operates in continuous basis.

(c) Finishing

• • Oil colour is removed by treating with fuller's earth or carbon.

• It is then filtered, mixed with some vitamins.

• Now the finished oil is sent for packaging and storage.