First Pressed Degummed Castor Oil (FPD): Technical Characteristics and Industrial Utility

1. Technical Overview

First Pressed Degummed (FPD) Castor Oil is an industrial-grade triglyceride extracted through the initial mechanical pressing of castor seeds, followed by a specialized degumming process. While standard crude oil contains phospholipids (gums) that can interfere with chemical stability and downstream processing, FPD is treated to remove these phosphatides. This ensures a cleaner oil with lower phosphorus content. In technical applications, FPD serves as the primary feedstock for manufacturing high-quality castor derivatives where the presence of gums would otherwise cause equipment fouling or inconsistent chemical reactions.

2. Chemical Structure & Composition

The structure of FPD remains centered around the triglyceride of Ricinoleic acid, but it is chemically distinguished by its refined lipid profile:

• Ricinoleic Acid (~89-91%): Main functional component.

• Low Phosphorus Content: Reduced from crude levels to <10 ppm through degumming.

• Minor Fatty Acids: Includes balanced levels of dihydroxystearic and palmitic acids.

The removal of gums (primarily lecithin and cephalin) stabilizes the oil against moisture-induced precipitation and “sludge” formation during long-term storage or heating cycles.

3. Physical & Chemical Properties

FPD is a viscous, clear liquid with enhanced stability parameters:

• Appearance: Transparent with a brownish-yellow tint.

• Viscosity: 6.5 to 8.5 stokes at 25°C.

• Flash Point: High thermal stability (>280°C), making it safe for high-temperature industrial environments.

• Hydroxyl Value: 160 Min, ensuring high cross-linking potential for polymer synthesis.

• Solubility: Fully soluble in ethanol and ether; insoluble in water.

4. Reaction Chemistry

The clean profile of FPD allows for efficient chemical transformations:

1. Direct Hydrogenation: Used as a base for producing Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) where low phosphorus prevents catalyst poisoning.

2. Transesterification: Ideal for producing methyl ricinoleate and other bio-esters.

3. Polymerization: Acts as a bio-polyol in the synthesis of polyester resins and polyurethane systems where clarity is secondary to structural integrity.

5. When to Use vs. When NOT to Use

Use FPD when:

• Manufacturing castor derivatives like 12-HSA or Sebacic Acid.

• Formulating industrial lubricants that require high lubricity without the risk of gum deposits.

• Sourcing a cost-effective, first-press oil for applications where the “Pale” color of PPG is not required.

Do NOT use FPD when:

• The final product is a white enamel or a water-white clear coat (use PPG or FSG instead).

• The application is for pharmaceutical or cosmetic use requiring a USP/BP grade oil.

6. Compatibility Profile

FPD shows high compatibility with:

• Resins: Excellent integration with phenolic, alkyd, and epoxy resins.

• Solvents: Compatible with aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents.

• Natural Fats: Blends seamlessly with other vegetable oils to modify viscosity or cost profiles.

7. Manufacturing Process (Product Focus)

The manufacturing of FPD at Nova Industries involves a two-stage process:

1. Mechanical Extraction: High-quality seeds are subjected to the first pressing to obtain the purest crude fraction.

2. Degumming (Hydration): The crude oil is treated with a controlled amount of water or dilute acid to hydrate the phospholipids.

3. Centrifugation: The hydrated gums are separated from the oil using high-speed centrifuges.

4. Vacuum Drying: Any residual moisture is removed under vacuum to ensure the oil meets export-grade moisture specifications (<0.25%).

8. Technical Specifications Table

Parameter	Specification (FPD Grade)
Appearance	Clear & Bright (Slightly Brownish-Yellow)
Acid Value (mg KOH/g)	3.0 Max
Iodine Value (Wijs)	82 – 90
Saponification Value	176 – 187
Hydroxyl Value	160 Min
Moisture & Volatiles	0.25% Max
Color (Lovibond 5.25″ Cell)	Yellow 30 / Red 3.0 Max
Insoluble Impurities	0.02% Max

9. Quality Grade Analysis

FPD is technically superior to “Commercial Grade” castor oil because of the First Pressing and the Degumming step. Commercial grade often includes solvent-extracted oil and contains higher levels of gums. FPD’s low insoluble impurity level (0.02% max) ensures it can be pumped through fine filters without clogging, a critical requirement for automated chemical plants.

10. Impact of Impurities

• Phosphatides: If not removed, gums can cause “livering” in resins and produce a foul odor during high-temperature reactions.

• High Moisture: Promotes the development of Free Fatty Acids (FFA), which lowers the flash point and increases corrosivity.

11. Industry-Wise Application 1: Chemical Derivatives

FPD is the global standard feedstock for the production of 12-Hydroxystearic Acid (12-HSA) and Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO). Its consistent purity ensures that the hydrogenation catalysts remain active for longer periods.

12. Industry-Wise Application 2: Industrial Lubricants

Used as a base oil for heavy-duty gear oils and hydraulic fluids. The degummed nature of the oil prevents the formation of “varnish” or deposits on high-speed moving parts.

13. Industry-Wise Application 3: Surface Coatings

Used in the manufacture of medium and long-oil alkyd resins for industrial primers and wood finishes where a slightly darker color is acceptable.

14. Industry-Wise Application 4: Urethane Systems

Serves as a bio-polyol for industrial floor coatings and sealants, providing excellent water resistance and flexibility to the cured system.

15. Formulation Guide

• Mixing: FPD should be introduced to the kettle under constant agitation.

• Temperature Control: For esterification, FPD can be heated safely up to 200°C; however, for higher temperatures, an inert gas blanket is recommended to prevent oxidative darkening.

16. Sustainability Data

FPD Castor Oil is a 100% bio-based, renewable product. By utilizing the first mechanical pressing and avoiding excessive chemical solvents, the environmental impact of its production is significantly lower than that of solvent-extracted oils or synthetic alternatives.

17. Packaging & Logistics (Technical)

• Standard: 200kg New Steel or HDPE Drums.

• Bulk: 20MT Flexibags or ISO Tanks.

• Storage Stability: Due to the degumming process, FPD has superior storage stability compared to crude castor oil.

18. Storage Science

FPD should be stored in a dry, cool area. While it is stable, it should be protected from moisture ingress, which can trigger the hydrolysis of triglycerides into free fatty acids. For bulk storage, carbon steel tanks are acceptable, but epoxy-coated or stainless steel tanks are preferred for long-term purity.

19. Troubleshooting Guide

• Problem: Haze or “cloud” at low temperatures. Solution: This is typical for FPD; gently warming the oil to 35°C will restore clarity.

• Problem: Reduced yield in derivative manufacturing. Solution: Check the hydroxyl value; ensure the moisture content has not increased during storage.

20. Regulatory Compliance

Our FPD is REACH Compliant and meets all standard GHS safety criteria for international transport and industrial handling.

21. Safety (SDS Summary)

• Fire: Not a flammable liquid, but will burn if pre-heated to very high temperatures.

• Spills: Use sand or sawdust to absorb. FPD is slippery and must be cleaned promptly from workshop floors.

• Health: Low toxicity; however, ingestion should be avoided.

22. Sample Validation Process

For laboratory validation, we recommend testing for Insoluble Impurities and Acid Value. A simple “Heat Test” (heating a sample to 150°C for 30 minutes) can be used to verify that no gums or moisture-induced precipitates appear.

23. Commercial Efficiency

By selecting FPD over crude or commercial grades, manufacturers reduce the risk of “batch failure” caused by impurity-related side reactions. This leads to higher-quality finished derivatives and lower maintenance costs for filtration systems.

24. Technical FAQs

1. Is FPD the same as Refined Castor Oil? FPD is a “semi-refined” oil; it has been degummed but not fully bleached to the level of FSG.

2. Can FPD be used in soap making? Yes, it is an excellent choice for industrial soaps where its high ricinoleic content provides superior lather and solubility.

3. Does FPD contain solvent residues? No, Nova Industries’ FPD is obtained strictly through mechanical pressing.

25. Contact CTA

For Technical Data Sheets (TDS), safety protocols, or bulk export inquiries, please contact our technical sales team at: export@novaind.in