dewaxingmenetelmä

Dewaxing is a process used in various industries, primarily petroleum refining and food processing, to remove waxy substances from liquids. In petroleum refining, dewaxing is crucial for improving the low-temperature properties of lubricating oils and diesel fuels. Waxy compounds, which are long-chain hydrocarbons, can solidify at lower temperatures, leading to increased viscosity and potential blockage of fuel lines or filters. The dewaxing process aims to separate these waxy components, thereby lowering the pour point and cloud point of the fuel or oil.

Common dewaxing methods in refining include solvent dewaxing and catalytic dewaxing. Solvent dewaxing involves chilling the oil in the presence of a solvent, which causes the wax to precipitate out. The precipitated wax is then separated, typically by filtration. Catalytic dewaxing utilizes catalysts to selectively crack or isomerize the wax molecules, converting them into less waxy compounds. This method can also improve the yield of desirable lighter fractions.

In the food industry, dewaxing is applied to edible oils and fats, such as vegetable oils, to remove solid fats or waxes that can cause cloudiness or undesirable texture at room temperature. This process is often referred to as winterization when applied to oils intended for salad dressings or cooking oils that need to remain clear when refrigerated. The principle is similar, involving chilling and filtration to remove the solidifying components.