Crystallization Tank

Crystallization Tank Function and Application

The crystallization tank is a critical piece of equipment in the refining and fractionation process of palm oil, primarily used to separate high-melting-point substances (such as stearic acid) and low-melting-point substances (such as oleic acid) from palm oil through cooling crystallization. This process not only enhances the purity of the oil but also meets the melting point requirements of palm oil for various applications.

Crystallization Tank Working Principle

The working principle of the crystallization tank is based on the differences in melting points of various components in the oil. The specific steps are as follows:

• Heating to Break Crystals: First, the refined palm oil is heated to approximately 70°C to destroy the existing crystal structures in the oil, fully dissolving it into a liquid state.

• Crystallization and Crystal Growth: The heated oil is pumped into the crystallization tank, where cooling coils and stirring devices gradually lower the oil temperature, causing high-melting-point substances to crystallize and precipitate. The crystallization tank is equipped with cooling coils, which utilize the cooling circulation system of outdoor cooling towers and refrigeration units for temperature reduction.

• Filtration and Separation: After crystallization is complete, the crystallized stearic acid and liquid soft fat are separated using filtration equipment (such as a membrane filter). The soft fat flows into the oil storage tank, while the stearic acid falls into the solid fat recovery tank.

Crystallization Tank Technical Features

• High-Efficiency Crystallization: The crystallization tank is equipped with cooling coils, which are cooled using circulating cooling water or chilled water to ensure uniform cooling of the oil and improve crystallization efficiency.

• Precise Control: The crystallization process is controlled by a computer to regulate freezing parameters and precisely adjust oil temperature, achieving optimal crystallization results.

• Energy-saving design: The cooling system uses circulating cooling water and chilled water, reducing energy consumption and saving costs.

• Multi-functional integration: The crystallization tank is not only used for crystallization but can also be integrated with filtration equipment to achieve integrated crystallization and separation operations.

Crystallization Tank Application Examples

• Palm Oil Fractionation

  Palm oil fractionation utilizes the difference in melting points of fats and oils to separate them into soft fats and hard fats using a crystallization tank. Soft fats can be used in edible oils for frying, while hard fats can be used in chemical products such as butter and soap.

• Palm Oil Dewaxing

  During palm oil de-waxing, the crystallization tank cools and crystallizes the oil to precipitate wax, which is then separated via filtration to enhance oil quality.

Crystallization Tank Overall Features

Crystallization tanks are indispensable equipment in the refining and fractionation processes of palm oil. Through efficient cooling and crystallization technology, they significantly improve the purity and quality of oils. Their precise temperature control and energy-saving design have made them widely adopted in the oil processing industry.