Embarking on the journey of enhancing oil quality demands a technological marvel, and short path molecular distillation stands as the unsung hero in the fish oil refining process.

In my realm as a seasoned sales specialist for short path molecular distillation equipment, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of this cutting-edge technology.

Unlocking the Potential

Short path molecular distillation system, with its low heating temperature and short heating time, emerges as the knight in shining armor for fish oil deacidification and the removal of plasticizers in the refining process.

Its prowess lies in the high degree of separation, making it ideal for tackling high boiling point and heat-sensitive substances, such as Omega-3 EPA/DHA PUFA.

The physiological activity of DHA and EPA in deep-sea fish oil is very high, the traditional separation method such as urea method and freezing method which are difficult to separate DHA and EPA from other low-unsaturated fatty acids, and the product has dark color, fishy smell, high peroxide value, and low recovery rate.

Taking molecular distillation system to refine fish oil ester to get the product EPA + DHA content reached 72.5%, the recovery rate reached 70%, light color, pure odor, low peroxide value, and in line with the food-grade refined fish oil ethyl ester standards.

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Preserving the Essence

As we delve into the nuances, the magic unfolds in the fish oil Omega-3 concentration process. Molecular distillation not only effectively purges unwanted elements but also preserves the functional trace active ingredients, ensuring a delicate balance in the final product.

The refining process of fish oil is the same as the normal refining steps of common fats and oils, the difference is that fish oil is very easy to oxidize and very sensitive to temperature, too high a temperature will destroy its nutritional value and produce trans fatty acids, so the range of temperature control is very strict.

Molecular distillation equipment is the key factor to ensure the quality of fish oil through the control of many process details.

How does short path molecular distillation contribute to deacidification?

A mathmetical Simulation of deacidification process by molecular distillation was carried out to approve the performance on molecular distillation process.

In the process of oil refining, removing free fatty acids from the crude oil, the traditional method is chemical alkali refining, and in recent years, there is also physical distillation method. It mainly includes degumming, physical deacidification, decolorization, dewaxing and deodorization.

Chemical alkali refining neutralizes most of the free fatty acids in the production process, and a considerable amount of impurities such as proteins, mucus, pigments, phospholipids and other substances can be separated out by sedimentation. However, caustic soda and triglyceride can be saponified, resulting in the loss of oil and grease, accompanied by a large amount of industrial wastewater generation, increasing the cost of sewage treatment of the production enterprises.

Molecular distillation can overcome the deficiencies of traditional alkaline refining and physical distillation. Adopting more gentle process operation and short heating time, it is especially suitable to be applied to the special oil refining process, which can efficiently remove free fatty acids and plasticizers while effectively retaining the function of trace active ingredients.

How does it contribute to the concentration of Omega-3?

Since the molecular free range of motion of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in fish oil is larger than that of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

By performing multistages molecular distillation, the different components can be collected at different separation ports. Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids are distilled first, while polyunsaturated fatty acids with more double bonds are distilled at the end.

The unsaturated fatty acid separation process is affected by different operating conditions such as system vacuum, scraper speed, initial feed temperature, evaporation temperature and condensation temperature.

At the same time the stability of the system in conveying the material under high vacuum will affect the continuous production of the whole process.

In the actual production operation, the operation of different distillation temperature, and control the distillation temperature below the boiling point of the material, you can separate the different heavy fraction and light fraction, so as to achieve the purpose of refining of fish oil Omega-3 fractions.

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What is the Design Principle of Multistages Molecular Distillation Equipment?

A complete set of molecular distillation equipment mainly consists of degassing system, feeding system, molecular distillers, fraction collection system, heating system, cooling system, vacuum system, material transfer system, control system and other components.

• A high vacuum is obtained with a low partial pressure of the residual gas to ensure that the evaporating molecules do not collide with other molecules as much as possible in the evaporating space.
• The spacing between the condensing surface and the evaporating surface is less than the mean free range of the evaporating molecules.
• A certain amount of temperature difference between the evaporating surface and the condensing surface is maintained.
• Distilled material in the evaporation surface should be able to form a film of uniform thickness to improve the evaporation efficiency. Because the material decomposition caused by local overheating will reduce the vacuum degree.

What Distinguishes Molecular Distillation from Traditional Methods?

Short Path Molecular Distillation has been a powerful and transformative technique.

This innovative process is revolutionizing the way fish oil is refined, setting it apart from conventional distillation methods.

Let’s explore what makes molecular distillation so distinct and advantageous:

1. Differentiation Through Differential Volatility: Unlike traditional distillation, where separation relies on the different boiling points of substances, molecular distillation operates at temperatures lower than the substance’s boiling point. This allows for precise separation based on differential volatility.
2. Irreversible Separation: Traditional distillation involves reversible evaporation and condensation processes, leading to dynamic equilibrium between liquid and gas phases. In contrast, molecular distillation is an irreversible separation process. Molecules evaporate from the source and condense without colliding with other molecules, theoretically eliminating the possibility of returning to the evaporation surface.
3. Ultra-High Vacuum: While conventional distillation can be carried out under reduced pressure, molecular distillation occurs at significantly lower pressures. This creates a non-boiling evaporative process on the liquid film surface, preventing bubbling or boiling phenomena caused by gases present in the material.
4. Short Path Distillation: Molecular distillation operates under high vacuum conditions, ensuring a short distance between the evaporative and condensation surfaces, which is smaller than the average free path of light molecules. This minimizes collisions, resulting in almost no pressure drop and enhanced material separation.
5. Low Distillation Temperatures: Traditional distillation occurs at the boiling point temperature, limiting the separation of thermally unstable compounds. Molecular distillation operates under extremely high vacuum, enabling the distillation of heat-sensitive and poorly stable substances that conventional methods cannot handle.
6. Minimal Heat Exposure: In molecular distillation, materials are exposed to heat for a very short duration. This process forms a thin film of the mixture, which is rapidly propelled, ensuring nearly equal areas of the liquid surface and the heating surface. This brief exposure minimizes the risk of component degradation or polymerization, making it ideal for separating high-boiling, thermosensitive, and easily oxidizable materials.
7. Superior Separation Efficiency: Molecular distillation achieves higher separation degrees, measured by relative volatility, when separating two-component mixtures. This demonstrates its exceptional separation capabilities.
8. Solvent-Free and Purity: Unlike many traditional methods that require organic solvents, molecular distillation is a purely physical process. It doesn’t use any organic solvents, resulting in safer and purer end products.

In short, Short Path Molecular Distillation is a game-changer in fish oil refining.

Its unique characteristics, such as irreversible separation, ultra-high vacuum, and minimal heat exposure, make it the preferred choice for achieving higher purity and safety in fish oil products.

Embracing this innovative technology can elevate your fish oil refining processes to new heights of quality and efficiency.

More Depths to Plunge

In the ever-evolving landscape of fish oil refinement, short path molecular distillation navigates the challenges with finesse. Its application extends beyond deacidification and removal of free fatty acids, reaching into the realms of plasticizer removal and overall quality enhancement.

Striking a Chord with Omega-3 Enthusiasts

For those steering the ship in the Omega-3 concentration process, molecular distillation is not merely a tool but a symphony conductor.

It selectively sieves through components, crafting a composition that resonates with the highest standards of purity and potency.

Conclusion

In the symphony of fish oil refining, short path molecular distillation takes center stage, orchestrating a harmonious blend of technology and precision. As a process engineer navigating these seas, I’ve witnessed its transformative impact on oil quality, making it an indispensable asset in the pursuit of excellence.

Within this intricate dance of molecules, short path molecular distillation emerges not just as a method but as a maestro, conducting the symphony of fish oil refinement with unparalleled finesse.

Reference:

http://www.scielo.org.ar/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0327-07932008000400002

https://www.pharmaguideline.com/2007/02/basic-principle-and-methodology-of-molecular-distillation.html?m=0

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distillation

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781845696450500177#:~:text=Fractional%20distillation%20is%20another%20simple,0.1%20to%201.00%20mm%20Hg).

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653513003275