GB482535A - Continuous process for converting saponifiable fats into soap and glycerin - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0482535/III/1> Fatty acids obtained by the splitting of fats with water under pressure as described in Specification 466,596, are converted into soap by treating the fatty acids produced, under pressure and without reduction of temperature, with an alkaline reagent and sufficient water to produce a neat soap, which is then sprayed. Streams of fat and water at a temperature of 365 to 600 DEG F., pass in counterflow in a column 13 under sufficient pressure to maintain the water liquid. A catalyst such as the oxides or soaps of zinc, calcium or magnesium is added. Glycerine water is drawn off into a chamber 19. The fatty acids produced, which include about 11 per cent of water, pass from the top of the column through a pipe 23 at about 470 DEG F. to a mixer 30 under pressure, to which caustic alkali or soda ash is admitted in controlled proportions from a tank 27. The saponifying agent may contain fillers such as sodium silicate, borax, or trisodium phosphate. The hot soap mixture containing about 30 per cent of water is sprayed through a nozzle 32 into a chamber 33, where the pressure drops to atmospheric pressure, whereby the water is evaporated. Cooling air is admitted through pipes 34. Moisture content of the soap powder produced is controlled by adjusting the temperature of the liquid soap, and the temperature and volume of the cooling air. The soap powder is of good colour due to avoiding contact with air of the fatty acids or of the soap until the latter is at air temperature. The soap particles are of solid irregular shaped form, readily soluble in water, and may be rolled or plodded to form bars or flakes. U.S.A. Specification 1,652,900 is referred to.