Study of the mechanism and efficiency of using mineral-organic bleaching-filtering agents in polishing refining

Abstract

In this scientific study, the main objective is to purify vegetable oils stored in the state reserve for an extended period to reach consumable quality based on their physicochemical parameters. In the experiments, polishing refining of cottonseed oils stored for 6 months or longer was carried out. By analyzing the physicochemical parameters of polishing-refined vegetable oils, selective bleaching-filtering agents (BFAs) with various pore structures were obtained for use in the bleaching-filtration stage. The BFAs were obtained through acid activation of bentonitic and opoka-type clays, as well as pyrolysis of sunflower husk. The filtration capacities of each activated BFA toward polishing-refined oils were investigated. The findings show that the highest efficiency was achieved when a composite BFA of the BK grade-prepared at a 1:1 mass ratio of acid-activated Navbahor alkali bentonite (ANAB) and pyrolyzed sunflower husk (P-SH) was added at 1.5-2.0% relative to the oil mass. The research results demonstrate that a composition consisting of polar organic and non-polar inorganic components was successfully obtained, capable of filtering fine soapstock particles while not resisting pressure buildup during the filtration process.