Winterization Equipment Principle Processing

I. Principle

Winterization equipment principle is low-temperature crystallization combined with solid-liquid separation, utilizing the difference in freezing points between waxes/high-melting-point fats and liquid oils (wax is soluble at 30–40℃ and precipitates at low temperatures).

Process: Crude oil is cooled to 4–10℃ (depending on oil type) and slowly stirred for 4–48 hours to allow the waxes to form large, stable crystals; low-temperature filtration separates the waxes into clear dewaxed oil and wax paste.

Key: Slow cooling + uniform stirring to prevent crystals from becoming too fine and difficult to filter.

II. Structure 

1. Winterization Crystallization Tank

Tank Body: 304 stainless steel, jacketed/coil heat exchange (cooling), with insulation.

Stirring: Low speed (5–30 rpm), paddle/anchor/gable-shaped, to prevent crystal deposition.

Heat Exchange: Internal cage/coil, refrigerant (ethylene glycol/brine) temperature control ±0.5℃.

Accessories: Temperature control probe, level gauge, nitrogen seal (anti-oxidation).

2. Plate and frame filter/centrifugal filter

3. Auxiliary systems

Refrigeration unit: Provides refrigerant at -5–15℃, controls crystallization temperature.

Heat exchange/recovery: Plate heat exchanger, cold oil and hot oil heat exchange, energy saving 30%+.

Electrical control: PLC fully automatic, temperature control, stirring, filtration, and heat unloading throughout the entire process.

Wax processing: Heating and refining wax paste to obtain industrial wax/edible wax.

III. Functions

1. Dewaxing and degreasing: Removes wax and high-melting-point solid fats; remains clear for 5.5 hours at 0℃, improving transparency and low-temperature stability.

2. Quality upgrade: Reduces cloud point, improves taste and digestibility, meeting national first-grade oil standards.

3. Separation and value-added processing: Separates liquid oil (high value) and solid fats (margarine raw material) from palm oil, etc.

4. Extended Shelf Life: Removes easily oxidized impurities, slows down rancidity, and extends shelf life.

5. Wax Recovery: Wax can be used to make waxed paper, waterproofing agents, and gloss agents, improving overall efficiency.

IV. Applications

1. Edible Oils

Sunflower Seed Oil/Corn Oil/Rice Bran Oil: High wax content (0.06–5%), requires winterization to prevent low-temperature turbidity.

Palm Oil: Separates into 24℃/44℃ liquid oil and solid fat, used in cooking/margarine.

Peanut Oil/Camellia Seed Oil: Removes trace amounts of wax and gum, improving clarity and low-temperature fluidity.

2. Specialty Oils

Fish Oil/Algae Oil: Low-temperature desaturation of fats, enriching Omega-3, improving purity and stability.

Cocoa Butter/Cocoa Butter Substitute: Separates to control melting point, suitable for chocolate/confectionery production.

3. Daily Chemicals and Industry

Cosmetic Oils: Winterization of petrolatum/vegetable waxes improves transparency and skin feel.

Lubricating oil/release agent: Removes high-melting-point components and improves low-temperature fluidity.

V. Typical Process Parameters

Sunflower seed oil: Crystallization 5–10℃/4–6h; Filtration 5–8℃/0.3MPa.

Rice bran oil: Crystallization 5–10℃/4–6h; Filtration 5–8℃/0.3MPa.

Palm oil: Crystallization 30℃/8–10h; Filtration 25℃/0.2MPa.