Soapstock
Soapstock is a byproduct generated during the refining of edible oils and fats. It is a viscous, dark brown to black material that consists primarily of free fatty acids, phospholipids, gums, pigments, and other impurities removed from the crude oil. The process of refining typically involves alkali treatment, where a caustic solution is added to the crude oil to neutralize free fatty acids and remove other undesirable components. This neutralization reaction creates soap molecules, which then emulsify with the impurities and oil, forming soapstock.
The composition of soapstock can vary depending on the type of oil being refined and the specific
Soapstock can be further processed to recover valuable components. Acidulation, a process where acid is added