Mectech Engineers & Consultants: Winterization and Dewaxing Plant Solutions
Mectech's Winterization Dewaxing Plant is engineered to remove high-melting-point components such as waxes and saturated triglycerides from crude and refined vegetable oils, ensuring the oil stays clear even at low temperatures. In a typical Winterization Dewaxing Plant setup, oil is first degummed and neutralized to eliminate phospholipids, metals, and free fatty acids, then gradually cooled to around 10-15°C to allow wax crystals to form, followed by filtration to separate these crystals and a final rewarming stage to restore the oil to its original quality without compromising its properties. Unlike standard dewaxing carried out at 18-20°C, Mectech's Winterization Dewaxing Plant is designed to prevent unwanted crystallization while still ensuring the oil remains bright, stable, and visually clean at cooler temperatures — a critical requirement for oils like sunflower, rice bran, corn, and other specialty oils sold in colder climates.Â
Choosing Mectech's Winterization Dewaxing Plant means benefiting from improved flow properties (lower cloud and pour points), enhanced product stability and lubricity, reduced equipment wear over time, and increased profitability through premium-quality output. With decades of expertise in oil seed preparation, extraction, and refining technology, Mectech designs each Winterization Dewaxing Plant to match specific oil types and production capacities, backed by strong after-sales support and pressure vessel certifications. Contact Mectech to discuss a custom Winterization Dewaxing Plant solution for your refinery.Â
Mectech Engineers & Consultants specializes in the design, engineering, and supply of complete winterization and dewaxing plants for various industries, particularly focusing on cannabis, hemp, and vegetable oils. Their offerings encompass modular and custom-designed solutions catering to diverse production scales, from pilot plants to large-scale commercial facilities.
Core Technologies & Processes
Mectech’s winterization and dewaxing processes center around controlled crystallization and filtration to remove unwanted compounds like lipids, waxes, and chlorophyll from oil extracts. Key technologies employed include:
Chill Systems: Utilizing closed-loop chilling systems employing refrigerants like R-404A or R-290 (propane) to achieve precise temperature control for optimal crystallization. These systems are designed for efficient heat transfer and energy recovery.
Crystallization Vessels: Stainless steel vessels specifically engineered for efficient mixing and temperature management during the crystallization process. Various agitation systems are available, including ribbon, anchor, and propeller impellers, tailored to the specific oil and target compounds.
Filtration Systems: Employing a range of filtration technologies, including plate and frame filters, filter presses, and bag filters, to separate crystallized compounds from the refined oil. Filter media selection is crucial and based on particle size and oil characteristics.
Centrifuges: Decanter centrifuges are utilized for continuous separation of solids and liquids, enhancing filtration efficiency and throughput, especially in larger-scale operations.
Ethanol Recovery Systems: Integration of ethanol recovery systems using distillation or evaporation techniques to minimize solvent loss and ensure environmental compliance.
Modular & Custom Design
Mectech offers both modular and custom-designed plants:
Modular Plants: Pre-engineered and pre-fabricated units that can be quickly installed and scaled. Modular designs provide flexibility and cost-effectiveness, suitable for smaller to mid-sized operations.
Custom Plants: Designed and built to meet specific client needs, considering factors like production volume, oil type, regulatory requirements, and facility layout. Custom solutions are optimal for large-scale facilities or unique processing requirements.
Plant Components & Services
A comprehensive winterization and dewaxing plant from Mectech typically includes:
Feed Tanks: Storage and metering for raw oil and solvents.
Mixing Vessels: Initial blending and homogenization.
Crystallization Vessels: Controlled cooling and crystallization.
Filtration Units: Solid-liquid separation.
Ethanol Recovery System: Solvent recovery and recycling.
Refined Oil Storage: Storage for finished product.
Control System: Automated process control and monitoring (PLC-based).
Engineering & Consulting: Process design, equipment selection, and plant layout.
Installation & Commissioning: On-site installation, testing, and training.
After-Sales Support: Maintenance, troubleshooting, and process optimization.
Industries Served
Cannabis/Hemp Extraction
Vegetable Oil Refining (e.g., Coconut, Palm, Soybean)
Pharmaceuticals
Cosmetics
Food & Beverage
