Abstract: Improvements in determining and controlling a continuous hydrogenation process comprising the obtaining of viscosity operating curves and opacity operating curves for comparison to known hydrogen unsaturation curves and plasticity characteristics. With improved hydrogenation equipment for carrying out the continuous hydrogenation reaction in combination with deodorization and auto-oxidation prevention stations, the present invention provides an overall process and controls for precision hydrogenation of edible oils.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distilling, especially vacuum refining and deodorizing edible oils and fats utilizing sheets of oil driven downwardly in a distiller with a vacuum source at its top. A nozzle includes pressure equalization chambers, cantilever adjustment screws, and a central drag sheet to produce longer lasting and more uniform thin oil sheets to be driven in the distiller. A continuous process deaerates, dehydrates, degums, bleaches, refines, removes tocopherol, deodorizes, and strips peroxides and hydroperoxides from raw oil in a series of isothermal stages utilizing driven sheet distillers. No stripping steam is used except in the stage which strips peroxides and hydro peroxides. The method produces valuable, pure products such as tocopherol and fractionated fatty acids. It is especially efficient in heat exchange and low in waste and pollution producing products.

Abstract: Improvements in determining and controlling a continuous hydrogenation process comprising the obtaining of viscosity operating curves and opacity operating curves for comparison to known hydrogen unsaturation curves and plasticity characteristics. With improved hydrogenation equipment for carrying out the continuous hydrogenation reaction in combination with deodorization and autooxidation prevention stations, the present invention provides an overall process and controls for precision hydrogenation of edible oils.

Abstract: A method of refining edible oil which protects the oil from auto-oxidation and hydrolysis. The method of refining is of the type which includes a degumming stage where acid-water are blended with the oil to capture phosphatides in the oil and then separated from the oil to carry away the phosphatides. The method comprises deaerating the acid-water prior to blending with the oil so that as the acid-water removes phosphatides it also removes oxygen from the oil. Subsequent to the degumming stage, it is preferable that the processed oil be protected against any further contact with oxygen or water. If it is desired to remove all traces of oxygen an oxygen scavenger such as sodium sulfite can be added to the acid-water used in degumming.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distilling, especially vacuum refining and deodorizing edible oils and fats utilizing sheets of oil driven downwardly in a distiller with a vacuum source at its top. A nozzle includes pressure equalization chambers, cantilever adjustment screws, and a central drag sheet to produce longer lasting and more uniform thin oil sheets to be driven in the distiller. A continuous process deaerates, dehydrates, degums, bleaches, refines, removes tocopherol, deodorizes, and strips peroxides and hydroperoxides from raw oil in a series of isothermal stages utilizing driven sheet distillers. No stripping steam is used except in the stage which strips peroxides and hydroperoxides. The method produces valuable, pure products such as tocopherol and fractionated fatty acids. It is especially efficient in heat exchange and low in waste and pollution producing products.

Abstract: A simplified, low-cost method of treating pressurized, moving natural gas streams in order to control problems created by entrained water in the gas is provided which facilitates downstream treatment of the gas and increases product yields by lessening the formation of oil and water emulsions and hydrates which can coat and clog processing equipment, while also minimizing corrosion of the latter. The method involves introduction of an agent into the moving gas stream which includes a polymer having recurring quaternized pyridinium groups therein for controlling the emulsion, hydrate and corrosion problems; the method is especially effective when the entrained water contains surfactants, detergents, soaps, and the like. In preferred forms a low molecular weight copolymer of styrene and 2-vinyl pyridine dispersed in water is atomized into the gas stream adjacent cooling and scrubbing stations.