Optimization of technology for methyl esterification in separation of sterols from rapeseed oil deodorizer distillate

A mathematical regression model was presented in this study for the separation of sterols in methyl esterification of rapeseed oil deodorized distillate by central composite design. The effects of amount of catalyst, methyl esterification time, methanol/material ratio and their interactions were investigated systematically on obtaining rate of sterols applying the response surface method(RSM) analysis. The results showed that the content and total obtaining rate of sterols were above 95%, 45% after two crystallization when methyl esterification temperature 60℃, time 1.65 h, catalyst 4.4%, methanol/material ratio 100 mL/(100 g).