Importance

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Abstract

A process for the continuous removal of cholesterol from a feed oil which comprises (a) wet milling a raw oil having an elevated cholesterol level with an extraction oil whereby there is formed a mixture of the raw oil and extraction oil; (b) centrifuging said mixture to yield a first fraction low in cholesterol, said first fraction being suited for incorporation into a foodstuff, and a second fraction which is an oil feed having a high level of cholesterol; (c) introducing said oil feed at a temperature of at least about 400.degree. F. at an upper portion of a countercurrent thin-film steam stripper while simultaneously introducing steam at a lower portion thereof, wherein said countercurrent thin film steam stripper is internally configured with sufficient active surface area so that it is capable under appropriate operating flow conditions of temperature, pressure and steam flow rates to remove at least 65% cholesterol from a cholesterol containing oil, said countercurrent thin-film steam stripper being continuously maintained at a pressure of at least about 1 mmHg and a temperature of at least about 400.degree. F., whereby there is produced a two phase exit flow therefrom comprising a liquid phase containing oil with reduced level of cholesterol and a vapor phase rich in cholesterol; (d) and recycling said liquid phase as an extraction oil for said wet milling.

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First Claim