degummimist

Degummimist refers to a person or entity involved in the process of degumming. Degumming is a purification step in various industries, particularly in the refining of vegetable oils and the processing of silk. In the context of vegetable oil refining, degumming removes gums, which are primarily phospholipids and other mucilaginous substances. These gums can cause problems during subsequent refining stages, such as soapstock formation and reduced oil quality. The degumming process typically involves adding water or an acid to the crude oil, which hydrates the gums, making them insoluble and allowing them to be separated by centrifugation.

In the silk industry, degumming is the process of removing sericin, a proteinaceous gum that binds the silk filaments together. This is usually achieved by boiling the silk in a solution of soap and water. The removal of sericin is crucial for achieving the characteristic softness, luster, and drape of silk fabrics. Therefore, a degummimist in this context would be someone responsible for carrying out this degumming process, either manually or as part of a larger textile manufacturing operation. The term "degummimist" is not a widely recognized or formal job title, but rather describes a role or function related to the act of degumming.