Filter aid, Celatum 40 prior filtration? Any hazard?
Hello,
We are thinking on how to improve the color of our oil, is it suggested to use Celatum 40 prior filtration? Any hazard?
Thanks,
Tonying
Dear Tony,
Your question has a broad scope to get answered as the hazard analysis need to be conducted subjective with the nature of material and its processing parameters.
Like to use an heating process you need to get the heat ressistivity parameters from supplier and validation of material supposed to be used, that how far it could be used that the particular objective does not become a potential hazard in itself. Parallel to this same could be done for cold temperature if getting used, viscosity, moisture, permeability etc.
Besides the nature of the filter and further use of the oil is an obligation as if you are supposed to use the oil for direct food contact then the food grade certificate is needed and if equipment used for food processing, again you need the certificate however same is not restricted in case you are going to use in another application scope like machines, motors, vehicles or else....thus application matters as well..
regards :smile:
Hello Tonying,
We are using Celatom FW-60 in our process as filtration aid.
For handling the product itself, employees should wear particulate masks and glasses as the dust is quite irritable and can lead to lung disease in case of prolonged exposure. A well ventilated area is also important.
The powder will need to be removed from the final product as it should not be eaten.It would also be considered as a form of food fraud if you would not take the necessary step to ensure an efficient removal of your powder.
Even though you'll be removing your powder, you'll probably increase the ash content and insoluble solids content of your product.
In our case, FW-60, is in average, made of 60um size particles. Some are bigger, some are smaller. To ensure we remove most of it from the final product, we use filters with a porosity (or micron retention) of 33um.
You should try to use filters that have pores half as big as your particle size. Celatom FW-40 is 40um, so a filter with a micron retention as close to 20um as possible would be the best.
Keep in mind that those filter will need high operational temperature and pressure to ensure a reasonable flow.
Alternatively, you can add a decantation step. That would be a large flat-bottom reservoir that you'll let your oil rest for 24-48 hour in order to let the powder to settle to the bottom of the reservoir. Make sure that the drain port is a few cm higher that the bottom as not to draw the powder.
Also, I believe that you'll want to look into a pre-coating step prior to filtration/decantation. The pre-coating step is a medium sized reservoir with a low speed mixer or empaler in which you add the powder to your oil. It increases surface contact and prevent clumping in case you use a filtering step.
That is the extent of my knowledge on the subject. I suggest that you look at the Celatom Website for more details about the powder and accompanied steps if you have more questions