Refined Glycerine 99.5% Min Mixed Animal Fat

BRIEF OVERVIEW

Refined Glycerine, also known as glycerol or glycerin, is a straightforward sugar alcohol with three hydroxyl groups, resulting in its water solubility and hygroscopic nature. This clear, colorless, and odorless liquid, with a high boiling point and viscosity, is naturally sweet and low in toxicity. Boasting a density of 1.26 g/cm³, it is derived from petrochemical feedstock and finds applications in various industries, including food, medicine, cosmetics, personal care, and biodiesel production.

MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Recovery of fat

Animal fats are collected from slaughterhouses. The fat tissue from animal parts is cooked. The elevated temperature ensures the fat to be released in liquid state and promotes cell rupture. On the other hand, an alternative method requires partial heating and the mechanical rupture of the fat tissue to release fat.

Degumming

The degumming process of animals is the removal of dissolved phosphatides through centrifugation. Water is added to the oil that allows the precipitation of phosphatides. The newly formed precipitate is heavier as phosphatides readily absorb water. The centrifugation process separates the heavy phosphatides from the oil phase to the water phase.

Bleaching

Bleaching of oil is required to release unwanted pigment and other oxidizing agents that may alter the appearance of the product. Bleaching is performed by adding charcoal or earth clay. The existing pigment from the oil will be absorbed by the charcoal. On the other hand, an additional method by chemical reaction is required for edible oils (oxidation and reduction reaction).

Deodorization

The adsorbed oils are further treated for scent and foul odor removal. Steam distillation is utilized to remove any volatile impurities that contribute to the unpleasant smell. Steam distillation makes use of the nonvolatile animal fat to remove any aldehydes, ketones, and other compounds that are classified as an impurity. In a distillation chamber, high pressure is injected under vacuum conditions around 180-250 degrees centigrade. The non-volatile triglyceride remains unchanged while volatile impurities cascade upwards and are removed from the animal fat.

Transesterification

The animal fat is decomposed by hydrolysis reaction under high temperature and pressure. The process utilizes water to break down the chains of triglycerides into glycerol/glycerine and chains of fatty acid. In this step, glycerine becomes available for extraction; however, further refining is required for the newly made glycerine to be called refined glycerine.

Separation

The mixture of glycerine and a chain of fatty acids is further refined by a series of separation processes. The oil mixture is distilled to separate the fatty acids from the desired glycerine. The distillation column is heated to promote the evaporation of both glycerol and fatty acid. Glycerine has lower boiling point; therefore, glycerine will evaporate readily at a certain range temperature whereas the chains of fatty acid will remain as liquid.

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Glycerine serves as a crucial raw material in pharmaceuticals, contributing to medications, suppositories, cough remedies, and anesthetics.

Cosmetic Industry

In cosmetics, glycerine acts as a water retainer, preserving product softness, creaminess, and storage life.

Food Industry

Glycerine is utilized in athletics for hydration and serves as a sweetener in various food products.

Industrial Applications

Glycerine is researched for fuel additives, decreasing harmful emissions. Its lubricating properties enhance machine performance, reduce friction, dissipate heat, and prevent machinery overheating. Glycerine's economic viability makes it valuable in chemical intermediates and industrial applications.