Keyword : hydrogenation

Hydrogenation is the process most commonly used to convert liquid oils into products which have different consistencies, melting points, and textures. It is a catalytic process in which the number of double bonds are reduced and at the same time, isomerization of residual fatty acids promoted. Liquid oils with unsaturated triglycerides are transformed into fats containing a higher percentage of saturated triglycerides.The complex system consists of three phases; liquid oil, gaseous hydrogen and solid catalyst ( the most widely used is nickel ). As hydrogenation progresses, there is a gradual increase in the melting point of the oil or fat. Upon full hydrogenation, whereby the double bonds are eliminated entirely, the product is a hard brittle solid at room temperature.

The overall hydrogenation rate depends on the quality of the reactant involved; the degree of refining of the oil to be hydrogenated; the activity, concentration and nature of the catalyst; hydrogen pressure; reaction temperature; and stirring.