Optimization of enzymatic degumming process for rapeseed oil

Abstract

An enzymatic process optimization and a largescale plant trial for rapeseed oil degumming were carried out by a novel microbial lipase. Response surface methodology was used to obtain the desired data in the process optimization. Enzyme dosage, temperature, and pH were important determining factors affecting oil degumming. The optimal set of variables was an enzyme dosage of 39.6 mg/kg, a temperature of 48.3°C, and a pH of 4.9. The phosphorus content could be reduced to 3.1 mg/kg at the optimal levels of the tested factors. An enzymatic degumming plant trial was performed on a 400 tons/d oil production line. pH was found to play an important role in degumming performance. When the pH was 4.6–5.1, the corresponding phosphorus content of degummed rapeseed oil could be reduced to less than 10 mg/kg, which met the demands of the physical refining process.