Superdegumming, a New Degumming Process and its Effect on the Effluent Problems of Edible Oil Refining

In conventional refining processes most vegetable oils are first waterdegummed and subsequently refined with caustic or with phosphoric acid/caustic. In these treatments also the non-hydratable phosphatides are removed. The effluent problems of edible oil refining are caused mainly by these caustic treatments. Superdegumming is the name of a new degumming process by which the phosphatides can be removed almost completely without any effluent load. Five years of experience with this widely patented degumming process and the subsequent refining of the superdegummed oils are discussed. Especially the effect of this degumming process on the effluent load of edible oil refining is demonstrated.