Continuous soapstock acidulation

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Abstract
A newly developed process is described for the continuous acidulation of soapstocks derived from alkali refining of vegetable oils. Results are presented for cottonseed, soybean, coconut and corn oil based soapstocks. The acidulation is accomplished by continuously reacting hot soapstock with H2SO4 and separating and countercurrently water washing in a Podbielniak centrifugal contactor. This process offers savings in labor, H2SO4 and steam over conventional batch acidulations, with improved recovery of fat. Typical performance data indicate around 98% recovery of the available TFA, acidulated greases containing less than 0.01% mineral acid, and acid water containing ca. 1% mineral acid.