Feedstock Contamination

Raw fats and oils contain seed hulls, meal particles, dirt, sand, metal fragments from crushing equipment, and biological material. These contaminants damage pumps, heat exchangers, and processing equipment requiring removal at facility inlet.

Filter Design

Vertical or horizontal pressure vessel with raw fat inlet, coarse strainer or basket filter removing large debris, fine filter stage capturing smaller particles, filtered feedstock outlet to storage or processing, cleanout access for maintenance.

Strainer Stage

Perforated plate or mesh basket removes large particles above 1-5mm. Protects downstream fine filters from rapid plugging. Cleanable design enables maintenance without complete replacement. Handles fibrous material from seed processing.

Filter Media

Bag filters or cartridge elements rated 10-100 microns depending on feedstock. Depth media handles varying particle types and sizes. Food-grade materials for edible applications. High dirt-holding capacity extends service life.

Operating Pressure

Typical 30-100 psig matching feedstock transfer pump pressure. Operating temperature 40-80C for pumpable viscosity. Design accommodates hot oil service in refining applications.

Material Selection

Stainless steel 304/316 for edible fat and oil applications meeting food standards. Carbon steel with coating for biodiesel feedstock and industrial applications. Materials resist corrosion from free fatty acids in crude oils.

Particle Types

Removes seed hulls, meal fines, dirt, sand, metal wear particles, biological material, wax particles, and any solid contamination from harvesting, extraction, or storage. Protects downstream refining equipment.

Differential Pressure

DP monitoring indicates filter loading. Clean DP 5-15 psi increasing as solids accumulate. High DP alarm signals cleaning or element replacement. Typical replacement frequency daily to weekly depending on feedstock quality.

Applications

Edible oil refineries processing crude soybean, palm, sunflower, canola oils. Biodiesel plants filtering waste oils and animal fats. Oleochemical facilities processing fatty feedstocks. Soap manufacturing raw material preparation.

Cleanout Procedures

Basket strainers require periodic cleaning removing accumulated solids. Quick-opening covers enable access. Bag and cartridge filters disposable or cleanable depending on design. Simple maintenance procedures.

Feedstock Quality

Filtration improves feedstock quality entering refining protecting acid degumming, neutralization, and bleaching steps. Removes abrasive particles extending centrifuge and heat exchanger life.

Temperature Control

Heat tracing and insulation maintain pumpable temperature. Viscosity management critical for filtration efficiency. Too cold causes plugging, proper temperature ensures flow and particle capture.

System Integration

Positioned at facility inlet after unloading and before storage tanks or processing. First contamination removal protecting all downstream equipment and processes.

Performance Benefits

Protects expensive processing equipment from abrasive wear and damage. Improves feedstock quality consistency. Reduces maintenance from contamination. Simple proven filtration for fats and oils.

Construction Standards

Pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII. Food-grade materials and construction for edible applications. Materials for corrosive crude oils containing free fatty acids. Complete documentation with filtration specifications.

ERGIL inlet fat filters provide feedstock pre-treatment removing solid contaminants protecting equipment in edible oil refining and oleochemical applications.