Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering - Research Publications

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Efficient degumming of crude canola oil using ultrafiltration membranes and bio derived solvents

Abdellah, MH ; Scholes, CA ; Liu, L ; Kentish, SE (Elsevier BV, 2020-01-01)

Vegetable oils derived from rapeseed and its genetic variant canola, are conventionally extracted from oilseeds by means of an organic solvent, typically hexane. Concerns regarding the toxicity of hexane have meant safer and more environmentally friendly solvents such as terpenes are becoming attractive. In this research, the degumming of canola oil/terpene mixtures using ultrafiltration is considered as a critical step in such an extraction process. Polysulfone (PSF) and polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were found to be ineffective in this application, as the oil appeared to cause swelling of the membrane structure. This meant that the original flux could not be restored after cleaning. Conversely, a ceramic membrane (MWCO 5 kDa) provided stable behaviour over several cycles of operation when cleaned with pure solvent at high cross velocity at 40 °C. This membrane showed high phospholipid retention (95 ± 2%), although some oil was also retained (16 ± 3%). Cymene emerged as the most attractive of the three terpenes tested, with higher permeate flux and phospholipid rejection than limonene or pinene.
Transport of terpenes through composite PDMS/PAN solvent resistant nanofiltration membranes

Abdellah, MH ; Scholes, CA ; Freeman, BD ; Liu, L ; Kentish, SE (ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV, 2018-12-22)