Bleaching Process Context

Edible oil refining uses bleaching clay (bentonite or activated earth) removing color, phospholipids, and trace metals. After bleaching vessel, leaf filters remove bulk clay but fine particles remain. Safety filters provide final polishing preventing downstream contamination.

Filter Configuration

Vertical or horizontal pressure vessel with bleached oil inlet from primary filters, high-efficiency cartridge or bag filter elements, polished oil outlet to deodorization or storage, drain for accumulated solids, differential pressure monitoring.

Filter Media

Depth filter cartridges rated 1-10 microns capturing clay fines and carbon particles. Stacked disc filters or pleated media depending on application. Materials food-grade approved for edible oil contact.

Operating Pressure

Typical 30-100 psig in oil refining systems. Operating temperature 80-120C for bleached oil. Design per ASME Section VIII with materials rated for hot oil service.

Particle Removal

Removes residual bleaching clay fines, activated carbon particles from decolorization, filter aid material, and any particulates from upstream processing. Achieves ultra-clean oil protecting heat exchangers and deodorizers.

Material Selection

Stainless steel 304/316 construction meeting food industry standards. All wetted surfaces food-grade materials. Gaskets and seals high-temperature rated for hot oil. Sanitary design preventing contamination.

Oil Clarity

Polished oil clarity under 0.1% turbidity meeting refined oil specifications. Crystal-clear appearance required for premium edible oils. Filtration removes haze-causing particles improving product quality.

Differential Pressure

DP monitoring indicates filter loading. Clean DP 5-10 psi increasing as elements capture clay fines. High DP signals element replacement typically 25-35 psi. Prevents excessive pressure drop affecting process flow.

Applications

Edible oil refineries after bleaching - soybean, palm, sunflower, canola, cottonseed oil. Specialty oil processing requiring post-bleaching polishing. Any edible oil requiring final particle removal before deodorization.

Element Replacement

Cartridge elements replaceable during maintenance. Quick-opening closures enable access without complete system shutdown. Elements disposable reducing labor. Replacement frequency weekly to monthly depending on clay loading.

Clay Disposal

Accumulated clay and filter elements contain residual oil requiring proper disposal. Cake may have solvent extraction recovering oil. Environmental disposal per food industry waste regulations.

Heat Maintenance

Insulation and heat tracing maintain oil temperature preventing solidification. Proper temperature control ensures flow and filtration efficiency. Steam tracing common in cold climates.

Product Quality

Final filtration ensures product meets clarity specifications for bottling or further processing. Critical quality control point preventing customer complaints. Protection of brand reputation through consistent quality.

Performance Benefits

Ensures product clarity meeting quality standards. Protects downstream deodorizers and heat exchangers from fouling. Extends equipment life through contamination control. Food-grade proven technology.

Construction Standards

Pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII. Sanitary design per 3-A standards where applicable. Materials certified for food contact. Complete documentation with filtration specifications and food-grade certifications.

ERGIL bleached oil safety filters provide post-bleaching polishing removing clay fines ensuring edible oil clarity in food industry refining operations.