Abstract: A process for recovering lecithin from oil- and lecithin-containing mixtures, comprising extracting a lecithin/oil mixture with an extractant selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon having 3 carbon atoms, an unbranched hydrocarbon having 4 carbon atoms, a branched hydrocarbon having 4 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof, at a pressure of from 1 to 8 MPa and a temperature of from 20 to 100.degree. C., which conditions ensure liquid phase extraction with the development of two liquid phases, one of which is an oil enriched liquid hydrocarbon phase and the other of which is a lecithin enriched hydrocarbon phase; separating the two liquid hydrocarbon phases; and recovering substantially lecithin-free oil from the oil-enriched phase and substantially oil-free, pure lecithin from the lecithin-enriched phase.

Abstract: Described is a process for removing glycerol and/or diglycerol from glycerides and glyceride mixtures by extraction, which process is characterized in that the glyceride or glyceride mixture is dissolved in organic compounds which preferably contain carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, if desired in combination with hydrocarbons, and that glycerol is extracted from the resulting solution with the aid of water. Thereby glycerol concentrations in the material to be purified of 0.1 weight % or lower may be obtained in a simple manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering monoglycerides and optionally diglycerides and/or triglycerides as well as optionally glycerol from mixtures comprising glycerides and glycerol containing glycerides, respectively, by countercurrent extraction with a circulating extraction. As an extractant, forming a separate phase, there is used a hydrocarbon having a density of more than 180 kg/m.sup.3 and/or trifluoromethane having a density of more than 180 kg/m.sup.3.

Abstract: Described is a process for the recovery of monoglycerides and diglycerides from a mixture containing monoglycerides, diglycerides and triglycerides by extraction with a supercritical extractant which comprises specific cosolvents. After the separation of the monoglycerides as bottom product in the separation column, the extract consisting of diglycerides and triglycerides is separated into diglycerides and triglycerides by fractionated pressure decrease and change of temperature in two consecutive regeneration columns. A portion of the product obtained in the first regeneration column is fed as reflux to the head of the separation column, and a portion of the product, obtained in the second regeneration column, is fed as reflux to the head of the first regeneration column for an improved separation.