Operating conditions — Operating variables, such as temperature, pressure, stripping steam rate, and time of steaming affect the quality of the finished product. The temperature of the steam required is proportional to the absolute pressure.
The time required for efficient deodorization depends upon the rate at which steam can be passed through the oil and is limited by the point at which appreciable mechanical entrainment occurs. The lower the system pressure at a fixed vapor
pressure or temperature and sparge steam rate, the greater the FFA reduction. Because the vapor pressure of the FFA and the other volatiles is directly proportional to the temperature, an increase in both temperature and sparge steam rate
will increase FFA reduction; however, the maximum temperature that can be used is limited because of the detrimental effects upon oil stability and trans-acids development.