Precipitated silica for oil purification grade (ZEO7)
Precipitated silica, also known as amorphous silica, is a fine, white powder that is commonly used as a clarifying agent in the oil refining process. The use of grade (Zeo7) plays a crucial role in removing impurities, such as phospholipids, soaps, and trace metals, from oils, resulting in a cleaner, more refined product.
Role of Precipitated Silica in Oil Purification:
1. Adsorbent Properties: Precipitated silica possesses excellent adsorbent properties, allowing it to efficiently capture and remove impurities from oils. Its hydrophilic nature, due to the presence of hydroxyl groups on its surface, attracts polar impurities such as phospholipids, soaps, and trace metals. These impurities are then entrapped within the porous structure of the silica particles, preventing them from re-suspending in the oil.
2. Neutralization and Defoaming: Precipitated silica also acts as a neutralizer, removing free fatty acids from oils during the refining process. Free fatty acids can contribute to oil instability and off-flavors. By neutralizing these acids, precipitated silica promotes oil stability and prevents foam formation during processing.
3. Whitening and Decolorization: Precipitated silica contributes to the whiteness and decolorization of refined oils. Its adsorption of impurities, including pigments and color bodies, enhances the clarity and color of the oil, making it more appealing to consumers.
Applications of Precipitated Silica in Oil Purification:
1. Edible Oil Refining: Precipitated silica is widely used in the refining of edible oils, such as soybean oil, canola oil, corn oil, and olive oil. It helps to remove impurities that can affect the taste, color, and stability of these oils.
2. Industrial Oil Refining: Precipitated silica is also employed in the refining of industrial oils, such as hydraulic oils, lubricating oils, and turbine oils. It removes impurities that can clog filters, reduce oil life, and cause equipment damage.
3. Cosmetic Oils and Personal Care Products: Precipitated silica is used in the production of cosmetic oils and personal care products to improve their texture, viscosity, and stability. Its adsorption of impurities helps to preserve the quality of these products.
In summary, precipitated silica plays a vital role in the purification of oils, enhancing their quality and ensuring they meet industry standards and consumer expectations. Its ability to remove impurities, neutralize acids, and enhance whiteness makes it a valuable additive in the oil refining process.
Precipitated silica and fumed silica are two different types of silica with distinct properties and manufacturing processes.
Energy Requirement:
Precipitated Silica: The manufacturing process for precipitated silica involves mixing chemicals, precipitation, filtration, washing, drying, and milling. This process requires less energy compared to the production of fumed silica.
Fumed Silica:
The production of fumed silica involves high-temperature reactions in a flame reactor using silicon compounds. This process requires significant energy input due to the need for high temperatures.In summary, precipitated silica has larger particle sizes, lower surface area, and requires less energy during its manufacturing process compared to fumed silica. On the other hand, fumed silica has smaller particle sizes, higher surface area, and requires more energy for its production.
Manufacturing Process:
Precipitated Silica: It is produced by adding a mineral acid to a solution of sodium silicate, resulting in the precipitation of amorphous silica particles.
Fumed Silica: It is manufactured by burning silicon tetrachloride or silicon compounds in a flame of hydrogen and oxygen, leading to the formation of fine, nanoscale particles of amorphous silica.