Glycerol Evaporation

Glycerol (Glycerin) is a clear, nearly colorless and viscous liquid with a very sweet taste. It occurs in combination with various fatty acids (glycerides) in all animal and vegetable fats and oils. 

Glycerin is produced organically by a number of different methods and by various synthesis processes.

Chemical curve: Glycerol R.I. per Conc b.w. at Ref. Temp. of 20˚C

Natural glycerin is obtained primarily as a co-product from the production of fatty acids and fatty esters, or soap from oils and fats.

Splitting or hydrolysis of oil, under pressure and at high temperature, produces fatty acids and sweetwater. The sweetwater contains 10–20 % glycerol. Transesterification of oil with methanol, in the presence of a catalyst, yields methyl esters and glycerin. Since the process does not use water, the glycerol concentration is higher. Saponification of an oil/fat with caustic soda forms soap and soap lye. The soap lye formed contains 4-20 % glycerol and is also known as sweetwater or glycerin.

Sweetwater or glycerin obtained as a co-product from the above three processes contains impurities and must undergo further purification and concentration, for example, by evaporation..

• pharmaceuticals
• humectants
• solvent
• sweetener
• emulsifier
• nitroglycerin
• glycerol soap
• moisturizer