What Is DBPO (Degummed Bleached Palm Oil)? Process, Specifications, and Uses
- DBPO (degummed bleached palm oil) is an intermediate between CPO and RBDPO that has undergone degumming and bleaching to remove gum, phospholipids, and impurities.[1]
- The degumming process uses phosphoric acid 0.05–1.2 g/100 g and bleaching earth 1–3 g/100 g, at 120–140 °C and low pressure.[2]
- Typical DBPO specifications list FFA 3–5%, moisture and impurities maximum 0.02%, and zero peroxide value.[3]
- Degumming slightly raises FFA because of phosphoric acid acidity, while bleaching reduces moisture, phosphorus, and peroxide value.[3]
- DBPO is used as an oleochemical feedstock and to produce products that require a lighter color.[4]
DBPO is palm oil that has passed degumming and bleaching stages before deodorization. This process removes phosphorus, gum, and impurities so the oil is more stable and ready for further processing.
Contents
What Is DBPO?
DBPO or degummed bleached palm oil is palm oil that has undergone degumming and bleaching after extraction from the fruit mesocarp. This product is an intermediate stage before deodorization to produce cooking oil.[1]
Degumming aims to remove gum or mucilage consisting mainly of phospholipids, as well as carbohydrates, proteins, and trace metals. Bleaching removes pigments, residual phosphorus, and oxidation products.[2]
DBPO still contains relatively high free fatty acids and is not yet free of odor, so it is not suitable for direct consumption. This product is usually continued to deodorization or used as an oleochemical feedstock.[1]
Degumming and Bleaching Process
There are several types of degumming: water degumming, acid degumming, dry degumming, and enzymatic degumming. For palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil with low phospholipid content, dry degumming is most suitable.[2]
Dry degumming combines acid degumming with bleaching, so no water addition or gum centrifugation is needed. The process is carried out at 120–140 °C under low pressure with phosphoric acid 0.05–1.2 g/100 g and bleaching earth 1–3 g/100 g.[2]
Phosphoric acid breaks down non-hydratable phosphatides into phosphatidic acid and calcium or magnesium bi-phosphate salts, which are then adsorbed by bleaching earth. Proper dosing of acid and bleaching earth is important to control production cost.[4]
Product Specifications
DBPO quality is marked by very low moisture and impurities and a peroxide value close to zero. Its free fatty acid content remains relatively high because acid degumming slightly increases FFA.[3]
| Parameter | CPO | DBPO | RBDPO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free fatty acids (%) | 2–5 | 3–5 | ~0.05 |
| Moisture and impurities (%) | 0.15–3.0 | ~0.02 | ~0.02 |
| Peroxide value | 1.5–5.0 | Zero | Zero |
| Odour and flavor | Characteristic | Characteristic | Neutral |
Quality Changes
Degumming and bleaching change several oil quality parameters. Research shows DBPO moisture and impurities fall to about 0.02%, while phosphorus and iron also decrease thanks to bleaching earth adsorption.[3]
DBPO free fatty acid content is slightly higher than CPO because of the acidity of the phosphoric acid used. DBPO peroxide value falls to near zero, indicating removal of oxidation products.[3]
Carotene content also decreases during bleaching, so the oil color becomes lighter. This is important for products that require a clearer or whiter appearance.[4]
Uses
DBPO is used as an oleochemical feedstock because of its low phosphorus and impurity content, making it suitable for producing fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and their derivatives.[4]
This product is also an intermediate for producing cooking oil, margarine, and other food products after deodorization. The lighter color of DBPO makes it suitable for products that demand good appearance.[1]
Summary
DBPO is palm oil that has undergone degumming and bleaching with phosphoric acid and bleaching earth. This product has very low moisture and impurities and peroxide value, and is used as an oleochemical feedstock and an intermediate toward cooking oil.
References
- Bleaching Effect on Palm Oil — degumming and bleaching of CPO to DBPO. https://www.scribd.com/document/28674927/Bleaching-Effect-on-Palm-Oil
- PMC/NIH. Refining Vegetable Oils: Chemical and Physical Refining — dry degumming. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8767382/
- Garuda (Kemendiktisaintek). Determination of Bleaching Earth and Phosphoric Acid in Degumming and Bleaching of Crude Palm Oil. https://garuda.kemdiktisaintek.go.id/documents/detail/2873193
- AOCS. Chemical Degumming — dry degumming for palm oil. https://www.aocs.org/resource/chemical-degumming/