degummingut
Degummingut is a term sometimes used informally to describe the process of removing gums or gummy substances from materials. These gums can be natural resins, sticky residues from processing, or other viscous, amorphous solids. The specific method of degumming depends heavily on the substance being treated and the nature of the gum. For example, in the context of vegetable oils, degumming is a crucial step in refining. This process removes phospholipids and other gums that can cause cloudiness and negatively impact the oil's stability and shelf life. Common industrial degumming techniques for oils include hydration, where water or an acid is added to cause the gums to aggregate, followed by separation through centrifugation. In other contexts, degumming might refer to removing sticky residue from machinery or surfaces, often involving solvents or mechanical scraping. The term is not a strictly defined scientific or industrial process but rather a descriptive one covering various methods of gum removal. The objective is generally to improve the purity, texture, or usability of the material.