Application of phospholipase A1 and phospholipase C in the degumming process of different kinds of crude oils

Abstract

In present study, phospholipase A1 (PLA1) and phospholipase C (PLC) were applied in eight varieties of crude oils. The degumming efficiency, oil yield and diacylglycerols (DAG) content after different kinds of treatments were investigated. Though the citric acid-PLC-PLA1 degumming process could efficiently reduce the phosphorus content and maintain the maximal oil yield of most oil samples. Still, specific enzymatic degumming process could be selected according to the quality of different crude oils. For example, to oil samples with low contents of non-hydratable phospholipids (NHPs) and initial phosphorus, PLA1 degumming without acid pretreatment was the most efficient way. To oil samples with low content of NHPs and high content of initial phosphorus, PLC degumming with acid pretreatment could satisfy the requirement for physical refining while increase the oil yield. To oil samples with high content of NHPs and low content of initial phosphorus, the PLA1 degumming with acid pretreatment was the best choice. In further industrial application, flexible degumming process could be applied in accordance with the specific oil characteristics to make the process more efficient and more eco-friendly.