Coconut oil is filtered using a two-stage process involving filter presses at different temperatures to remove impurities and achieve clarity.
The process generally involves these steps:
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First Filtration (Hot Oil): Hot coconut oil, around 70 degrees Celsius, is rapidly filtered through a filter press. This initial filtration removes larger particles and sediments. The elevated temperature lowers the oil's viscosity, speeding up the filtration process.
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Cooling: After the first filtration, the oil is cooled to room temperature using a plate heat exchanger, with water acting as the cooling agent.
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Second Filtration (Cold Oil): The cooled oil then undergoes a second, slower filtration through another filter press. This stage removes waxes, moisture, and any remaining fine sediments that were not captured during the first hot filtration. The cooler temperature helps solidify waxes and other impurities, making them easier to filter out.
In summary, coconut oil filtration relies on a combination of hot and cold filtration techniques utilizing filter presses to achieve a clear and pure final product.
