Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for refining vegetable oils and byproducts thereof. This invention also relates to an improved process for deodorizing lecithin. The invention additionally relates to deodorized lecithin and deodorized vegetable oil obtained by improved processes of the invention. In an organic acid refining process, vegetable oil is combined with a dilute aqueous organic acid solution and subjected to high shear to finely disperse the acid solution in the oil. The resulting acid-and-oil mixture is mixed at low shear for a time sufficient to sequester contaminants into a hydrated impurities phase, producing a purified vegetable oil phase. In a lecithin deodorizing process, a phosphatide concentrate is contacted with steam in a dryer operating at a pressure below 50 mm Hg and at a temperature of less than about 150° F. to form lecithin containing no more than about 0.5 percent by weight water.

Abstract: The present invention deals with novel internal branched ether esters based upon novel ether alcohols. These materials are useful as viscosity index modifiers where outstanding liquidity, resistance to oxidation, and minimal variation in viscosity as a function of temperature is required.