Acid Oil Plant

A mixture of soapstock and centrifuge flush water is delivered at a controlled rate into an acidulation vessel, together with a metered stream of sulfuric acid, to bring the pH to 1.5 to 2.0.  The vessel is designed so that the contents are both mixed and heated with sparge steam to approximately 90oC.  The mixture constantly overflows into a settling basin.  In the settling basin the acid oil floats to the top and the acid water settles to the bottom.  A series of valves at different levels are provided for drawing off the acid oil.  The acid water overflows through a standpipe, which maintains the level in the settling basin.