Electrocatalyst-Assisted Hydrogenation of Soybean Oil
Project Leader: Shashi Lalvani
Unit: College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes
Brief Description:
This process allows for the production of hydrogenated soybean oil containing reduced fatty acids through a regenerable electrocatalyst. Electrical energy, as opposed to high temperature and high pressure, is used to affect the transfer of hydrogen to edible oils which allows for a greater reduction in trans fatty acids.
Patent Status:
U.S. Patent No. 6,825,367, issued November 30, 2004. Additional patent pending; U.S. patent application no. 20030213700.
Potential Commercial Uses:
- Greatly reduced trans fatty acids.
- The use of a regenerable electrocatalyst.
- Reduced temperature of operation.
- Increased ease in operation.
- Applications to all types of edible oils.
Contact:
Jeff Myers, Senior Technology Transfer Specialist, (618) 453-4543, fax: (618) 453-8038