Crude Degummed Soybean Oil: Overview, Properties, Production, Applications, Storage and Stability and Conclusion

 

Introduction

 

Crude Degummed Soybean Oil (CDSO) is a pure, yet inedible, vegetable oil derived from soybeans, specifically processed for non–food industrial, pharmaceutical, and feed applications. Produced from fair to average quality crude soybeans, this oil is light yellow to reddish in color and has a pleasant odor, texture, and flavor. While it is not suitable for direct human consumption without further refining, its versatility makes it a vital component in multiple industries worldwide. The growing demand for plant–based oils has positioned Crude Degummed Soybean Oil as one of the most widely produced and researched lipid sources globally.

 

Origin and Processing

 

Crude Degummed Soybean Oil is extracted from controlled, non–GMO soybeans (with GMO content below 0.9%). The process begins by cracking the soybeans, adjusting their moisture content, and heating them between 60 °C to 88 °C (140–190 °F). The beans are then rolled into flakes and subjected to solvent extraction using hexanes.

This procedure efficiently removes the majority of free fatty acids and Phosphatides (gums) naturally present in the soybeans.

 

Degumming is a key process where phospholipids are hydrated and separated, primarily through mechanical or physical means. Sometimes, chemical agents are also used to enhance separation efficiency. The final product, Crude Degummed Soybean Oil, is then either stored, transported, or sent for further refining depending on its intended end use.

 

 

Nutritional and Functional Properties

 

Though not directly consumable, Crude Degummed Soybean Oil holds nutritional value. It contains essential fatty acids and fat–soluble vitamins that are beneficial when included in animal feed or refined for human consumption. As a lipid source, it offers high metabolizable energy and serves critical physiological functions: stimulating appetite, enhancing satiety, and aiding in the secretion of digestive enzymes due to its appealing texture and aroma.

 

 

Applications Across Industries

 

1. Animal Feed Industry: One of the major applications of Crude Degummed Soybean Oil is in animal nutrition. It serves as a high–energy ingredient in livestock and poultry feeds. Its composition supports animal growth and energy requirements effectively. Additionally, when blended with other vegetable or animal fats, CDSO helps in creating customized lipid blends suitable for various feed formulations.

 

2. Pharmaceuticals: In pharmaceutical manufacturing, Crude Degummed Soybean Oil is primarily used in fermentation processes, especially for the production of antibiotics. The oil serves as a carbon source that supports microbial growth and enhances yield during fermentation.

 

3. Industrial Uses: Crude Degummed Soybean Oil has a range of industrial applications including the manufacture of paints, varnishes, resins, plastics, and fatty acids. It is also utilized as a dust suppressant in silos and during transportation of grains and oilseeds.

 

4. Food Industry (after refining): Once refined, soybean oil derived from CDSO is suitable for human consumption and is used in cooking oils, frying mediums, Margarines, salad dressings, and baked goods such as bread, crackers, cookies, and pies.

 

 

Global Production and Market Demand

 

Soybeans are cultivated globally due to their dual utility: high protein and oil content. The average composition of soybeans includes about 48% protein and 21% oil. With increasing demand for vegetable oils, soybean production has grown substantially over the past two decades. Presently, palm oil dominates the global vegetable oil market (35%), followed by Soybean oil (26%), Rapeseed (Canola) oil (15%), and Sunflower oil (9%).

 

As global consumption trends evolve, Crude Degummed Soybean Oil continues to be a sought–after intermediate product. Countries like Canada and those in Latin America contribute significantly to the export market, representing over 61% of total CDSO exports. Its wide range of applications, consistent availability, and high energy value contribute to its ongoing demand.

 

Processing Overview of Crude Degummed Soybean Oil

 

The production of Crude Degummed Soybean Oil begins with the harvest and storage of soybeans. Soybeans are typically harvested when their moisture content reaches approximately 13%. This optimal moisture level is crucial–low moisture risks seed splitting, while high moisture increases the chances of mold and heat damage.

 

Once harvested, soybeans are cleaned to remove debris like stems, pods, and stones using shaker screens and aspirators. The cleaned beans are then pre–conditioned by reducing their moisture to around 9.5%, followed by cracking using roller mills. Hulls are removed via aspiration, as they contain minimal oil and lower the efficiency of oil extraction.

 

Conditioning and Extraction: Conditioned soybeans are further heated to approximately 74  °C to facilitate flaking into thin slices (0.25 mm). Alternatively, expanders may be used to enhance oil release by increasing the distortion of cell membranes. The flakes or collets are then processed in solvent extractors where hexane–based solvents are passed through the material to draw out the oil. This solvent–extracted oil typically retains a small amount of solvent and must undergo further processing.

 

Solvent Recovery and Degumming: The oil–rich mixture (miscella) enters a two–stage evaporator system to recover the solvent. The oil concentration increases at each stage, reaching up to 95%. Final traces of solvent are removed using high–temperature steam in a stripper unit, maintaining temperatures below 115 °C to avoid discoloration. The extracted oil is then degummed, cooled, and stored.

 

 

Storage and Stability of Crude Degummed Soybean Oil

 

Proper storage conditions are vital to preserve the quality of Crude Degummed Soybean Oil. It should be stored in large, airtight tanks at ambient temperature, with minimal exposure to air and moisture. Natural antioxidants such as tocopherols, tocotrienols, and residual phosphatides offer protection against oxidation. However, storage tanks should be designed to allow easy removal of any phosphatide deposits that may settle at the bottom.

 

The stability of CDSO is further confirmed by its low peroxide value and high Active Oxygen Method (AOM) stability, both indicators of minimal oxidative degradation. This makes it suitable for long–term storage and international shipping.

 

By–products and Co–products

 

During soybean processing, numerous by–products are generated along with Crude Degummed Soybean Oil. These include:

 

• Soy Lecithin: Derived during the degumming process and widely used as an emulsifier in food and feed.
• Soybean Meal: A high–protein feed component.
• Soy Hulls: Often used as roughage in ruminant diets.
• Soap Stocks and Acid Oils: Utilized in animal feed or biodiesel production.

 

The food industry also contributes to the lipid feed market through recycled fats such as restaurant grease, emulsifiers, mono–and diglycerides, though these are used less extensively than CDSO. Similarly, animal fats like tallow, lard, and poultry fat are often blended with CDSO to enhance energy density in feeds.

 

Advantages of Crude Degummed Soybean Oil

 

• High Availability: Produced in large quantities globally, ensuring reliable supply.
• Energy Dense: High metabolizable energy value makes it ideal for animal feed.
• Consistent Quality: Controlled processing and standardization ensure a uniform product.
• Industrial Versatility: Applicable across multiple sectors from food processing to pharmaceuticals and biodiesel.
• Environmental Contribution: By serving as an alternative to synthetic oils and petroleum–based products, CDSO supports greener industrial practices.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Crude Degummed Soybean Oil remains one of the most valuable and widely utilized vegetable oil intermediates in the global edible oil and industrial sectors. Through the degumming process, impurities such as phospholipids are significantly reduced, resulting in a cleaner and more stable oil that is better suited for downstream refining and diverse applications.

 

Its importance lies in its versatility—serving as a key raw material in food production, biodiesel manufacturing, animal feed, and various industrial processes. The improved stability and reduced impurity content make it an efficient and cost-effective choice for further processing into refined soybean oil and related derivatives.

 

As global demand for sustainable and plant-based raw materials continues to rise. Crude Degummed Soybean Oil will continue to play a critical role in supporting food security, renewable energy initiatives, and industrial innovation. Its balance of availability, functionality, and economic value ensures its ongoing significance in the global oils and fats market.

 

Specification Of Non–GMO Crude Degummed Soybean Oil:

 

Standard Specification Of Non–GMO Crude Degummed Soybean Oil