Glycidyl-Ester Reduction in Edible Oils with Silica Supported Catalyst

Glycidyl-esters (GE) in edible oil are known carcinogenic and mutagenic process contaminants that have recently been subjected to European legislation. In order to reduce glycidol concentrations in once refined RBD quality oil below regulatory limits, W.R. Grace has developed and studied a silica supported catalyst in a continuous packed bed apparatus at various process conditions without observing any adverse effects on the oil quality and organoleptic profile. Our presentation will outline properties of this novel material as well as catalytic performance in multiple oil matrices. We will also present a kinetic analysis of this reaction to incorporate this material into existing oil refining technologies. With this novel technology, edible oil refiners can eliminate costly post-refining processes while maximizing regulatory compliance, production efficiency, and environmental sustainability.