Gossypol Separation in Cottonseed Oil Processing

Cottonseed oil is an edible oil extracted from the by-products of cotton after ginning and delinting. It contains essential fatty acids, with linoleic acid at 44%–55%, oleic acid at 18%–30%, and palmitic acid at 21%–24%. The body absorbs cottonseed oil at a rate of 98%, making it a significant part of China's edible oil structure, accounting for about 17%.

As people become more familiar with cottonseed oil, they discover its high-value substances like gossypol, vitamin E, and xylitol, which have substantial development value and economic benefits. However, the gossypol in cottonseed oil must be strictly controlled, as it is harmful to humans. Thus, oil mills focus on separating gossypol during processing.

Separating gossypol requires suitable extraction techniques. Henan Huatai Oil Machinery Manufacturer, with over 30 years of industry experience, provides production plans and machinery for cottonseed oil producers. They use the solvent extraction method, which combines traditional pressing with modern extraction to ensure high oil yield and quality meal.

Gossypol is a toxic phenolic pigment in cottonseed, weakly acidic, and soluble in edible oils but not in water or hexane. During oil processing, gossypol reacts with free fatty acids to form gossypol esters or resins, and it can bind with phospholipids and proteins. The common gossypol separation method involves high-moisture steaming, which avoids combining with free gossypol and keeps the meal usable.

Some oil mills also separate gossypol during the deacidification process, converting it into water-soluble gossypol sodium salts through alkali refining. This step also helps remove other impurities, ensuring the refined oil meets quality standards.

Huatai Oil Machinery Manufacturer provides reliable solutions and equipment for producing standard-compliant cottonseed oil, earning a good reputation in the industry.