Abstract: This invention generally provides a process and apparatus for the separation of oil or fat from food particles, carbohydrate matrices and crumbs in a continuous process, and for the reuse and/or recycling of the separated oil or fat. This invention more particularly provides an apparatus and a process in which the crumbs are mixed with hot water and agitated for a predetermined time, after which the agitated mixture is introduced into a non-turbulent container where the oil/fat, the water and the crumbs are allowed to stratify. Upon stratification, a high quality oil/fat separates and rises based on its relative buoyancy and can then be removed and reused. The water and the crumbs also separate by stratification and can also be similarly removed.

Abstract: Triglycerides, such as vegetable oils and animal fats, are esterified with alcohols to produce alcohol esters which can be used as alternative fuel sources. By-products of the transesterification reaction are stripped from the effluent of the transesterification reactor using a recovery alcohol that can be an isolated by-product of the transesterification reaction.