Abstract: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) instruments for process control in vegetable oil refining is already widely used. It can for example be used as in-line process control for measuring the FFA in oil, water content in meal, or composition of soap-stock. We have worked with NIRS in the laboratory to investigate the possibility of using it for process monitoring of phospholipid composition during the phospholipase catalyzed reaction in the enzymatic degumming application. First, the setup was with the instrument beside the reaction vessel and sampling during the reaction. Samples were analyzed by 31P-NMR and matched with the spectra from the instrument. It was shown, that it is possible to produce a calibration curve for the phospholipids PC, PE and PI which can then be used in future experiments for following the enzyme reaction. Next, we mounted the NIRS instrument for continuous analysis in the enzyme reactor, mimicking an in-line process control. The goal was to follow the reaction by analysis of the FFA content during the reaction. Calibration curve was established, and we have now shown how NIRS can be used as an in-line tool for process control in the enzymatic degumming reaction.

In the presentation we will share experience and data from working with the NIRS in enzymatic degumming. We will discuss the perspectives in the process control and how it can be utilized to optimize the cost efficiency of the process.

Description: The results show how NIRS can be used to control the enzymatic degumming process which makes it possible to have a real-time process control to secure a cost-efficient refining process.