Refining of glyceride oils by treatment with silicate solutions and filtration

Abstract

This invention relates to the refining of glyceride oils in the food industry. More particularly, this invention is directed to the removal of free fatty acids and soapstock from oils during refining. The method and apparatus of the invention contact the crude glyceride oil with an agglomerating agent, preferably a soluble silicate solution, such that the contaminants agglomerate in a discrete phase. This discrete phase is separated from the liquid oil phase through physical separation means, preferably filtration.