The content of Free Fatty Acids (FFA) represents an important quality factor in vegetable oils. CSIR-CEERI Chennai Centre has developed a system for instantaneous and on-line estimation of FFA in sunflower oil. The system uses Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and Multivariate Analysis. The NIRS method is non-destructive, instantaneous, cost effective and accurate for estimation of FFA content in sunflower oil. The system was satisfactorily tested for over a one month at the refinery of M/s Kaleesuwari Refinery Private Limited, Chennai.
Features
- PC based system interfaced with a Diode Array Spectrometer and suitable flow cell fitted onto a by-pass line.
- Designed for on-line monitoring and measurement of FFA content in sunflower oil at the end of the oil extraction/refinery process prior to packaging/storing. Tested at a flow rate of 10-12 tons per hour.
- Adaptable to measure both high (5-10%) as well as low values (< 1%) of FFA.
- Accuracy of the tested system is ± 0.02 % FFA.
- User friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) with following features
- Live data display
- Data-logging
- Bar charts
- Report generation
- Graphical user interface offers multiple access levels. (Admin, Chemist and User).
- System can be easily integrated onto the process line with minimal changes without affecting production.
- Adaptable for other edible oils of different FFA ranges at different process stages and flow rates by suitable modifications & appropriate calibration procedures.
Benefits of the system
- Measurements are instantaneous/on-line without wastage of samples and chemicals.
- Analysis is carried out on captured spectral signatures of the samples and this
- reduces human induced errors
- results in energy reduction
- Results can be utilized in optimizing the process and enhancing the uniform quality of the product.
- System is easy to operate and does not require trained personnel.
- Economically priced with good return value.
- Adds negligible incremental cost on the production.
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