Modelling and evaluating the batch deodorization of sunflower oil

An engineering approach for evaluating the oil temperature during the batch deodorization is proposed. This approach employs a quasi-steady model including equations of steady-state heat transfer for consecutive time steps of computation. A new index – De-value – for assessing the efficacy of batch deodorization is proposed. The De-value represents the reduction of a key volatile component. It was established that the oleic acid is better to be used as a key component for assessing the deodorization of high oleic sunflower oil conducted at low temperature conditions – below 200 °С. The deodorization process of sunflower oil may be accepted as efficient if the De-value reaches a value 2 ± 0.2. The engineering approach proposed for evaluating De-value can be used as a tools for: (i) estimating the efficacy of process conditions applied at present; (ii) specifying eligible values of process parameters when a new process design will be established.