Process for removing free fatty acids from fats and oils of biological origin or their steam distillates

摘要

To remove free fatty acids from fats or oils of biological origin or their steam distillates, it is proposed to extract the free fatty acids with a mixture of basic organic nitrogen compounds and water as extraction medium at a temperature below the boiling point of the organic nitrogen compounds. The content of the basic organic nitrogen compounds in the extraction medium shall be at least about 20% by weight and at most about 60% by weight, preferably between about 30% by weight and about 40% by weight. In this manner, the formation of a viscous soapstock which is difficult to remove is prevented. The boiling point of the basic organic nitrogen compound(s) used shall be the same as or above the boiling point of water and below the boiling point of the fatty acids to be extracted in order to enable simple recovery of the extraction medium.