Free fatty acids removal from crude glycerin using chelating polymers
Innovative method to purify crude glycerin by converting free fatty acids into colloidal form using chelating soluble polymers, followed by ultrafiltration or nanofiltration. This process aims to enhance selectivity and yield, offering a cleaner, more efficient purification solution.
Overview
This solution presents an advanced method for purifying crude glycerin by removing free fatty acids (FFA). The process involves using a chelating soluble polymer to convert FFAs into a colloidal form, which facilitates their removal through ultrafiltration or nanofiltration. This innovative approach aims to improve the selectivity and yield of glycerin purification, making it a cleaner and more efficient process.
Technical specifications
The method leverages the properties of free fatty acids, which, at an adequate pH, lose their surfactant behavior and aggregate into colloidal micelles in the presence of a chelating polymer. The key steps include:
- Chelating Polymer: Must be water-soluble and promote FFA aggregation.
- Membrane Filtration: Utilizes ultrafiltration and nanofiltration to separate FFAs from glycerin.
- pH Adjustment: Fine-tuning the pH to ensure maximum efficiency in FFA conversion.
- Process Optimization: Testing various chelating polymers, coalescence promoters, and membrane types for optimal results.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 2, this method is in the concept stage and requires further validation through pH adjustments, polymer testing, and process optimization to advance to higher TRLs.
About Universidade de Lisboa
Universidade de Lisboa is a comprehensive public research university in Portugal’s capital, uniting multiple schools and institutes with broad disciplinary coverage. Industry engages through co-located labs, shared core facilities, and campuses linked to research parks and Lisbon’s startup ecosystem. Integration with the university hospital network enables clinical research and translation, while experimental farms and field stations provide real-world testbeds. Research is supported by competitive European and national funding, including the European Commission and Portugal’s Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT). A dedicated technology transfer office and incubation programs assist with IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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