Physical refining has several advantages compared to the classical chemical
one. This process is more economical (improved yield, lower investment cos
t, less chemicals used) environmental friendly process (no soapstock to be
treated, splitted) but more sensitive to the crude oil quality. Physical re
fining of sunflower oil is discussed in derails. Recent developments in the
field of processes, equipment and control have mode it possible to refine
by physical way the high phosphatide containing seed oils as well.
Special degumming processes, improved performance of bleaching materials, b
etter design of deodorizers are applied in new installations; huge capacity
one-line physical refineries are successfully operated in different countr
ies.