Installations for Saponification of Neutral Fat and Fatty Acid

First, we carry out a detailed analysis in close cooperation with our client, with the objective of formulating a plant concept. This concept is refined into an operations schedule by a team comprising representatives from the client and Sela.

Only when all plant components, work flows, and if necessary, integration with existing plant has been fixed and accepted by the client, can realisation start. At Sela, this procedure is called: 'Integrated Quality Development'. In this way, we are able to optimally solve an enormous range of problems. Integrated quality development has played a significant role in establishing us as technological market leader.

A plant was designed for a company in the Philippines to produce base soap from 100 % coconut fatty acid. Previously, coconut fatty acid neutralisation had never been realised in a continuous process. After detailed analysis, the client was presented with a concept, on the basis of which we developed a new continuous process that set today's international standard and has now been successfully built for several other companies.

Continuous saponification was also the solution to the demands of a major German soap manufacturer. This company previously used the kettle process and now wanted to expand its capacity. The project was subject to several constraints: the location of the factory in the centre of a large city, strict waste water regulations, the desire to reduce energy consumption, and the small amount of space available. The client's demands were optimally met by converting the process to continuous saponification. A capacity of six tonnes per hour is easily achieved in three-shift operation with minimal environmental pollution, low energy consumption, and guaranteed quality assurance as a result of automatic control. Another highly satisfied customer who can confirm the Sela concept of integrated quality development.