Persistant Bioaccumulating Toxins like PCB and dioxins must be removed before utilizing oils for medical, dietetic, food, feed or surfactant purposes. For use as food or feed, other components such as oxidation compounds (free fatty acids, peroxides) and high-melting compounds must also be removed. The oil must be clear at room temperature and have acceptable taste and odour.

Current activities

SINTEF is working within the field of fish oil purification by use of inorganic membrane systems. Together with our partners, we have patented a new technology to remove PCBs and dioxins from edible oils, mainly fish oils. We are now in the process of marketing the technology to build full-scale industrial plants at fish oil processing sites. 

Pilot-scale membrane-based oil purification system. Parameters like temperature, pressure, flow, back-flushing and cleaning-in-place can be varied in order to optimize flux and oil purity.	Oil before (left) and after (right) purificati

Related project:

FNS/EUREKA Fish oil purification

Contact person: Bente Gilbu Tilset