Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process and apparatus for removing contaminates from edible cooking oil is provided. A continuous stream of cooking oil at an elevated temperature is withdrawn from a cooking bath. A continuous stream of liquid solvent for at least a portion of the contaminates is mixed with the oil. The solvent has a specific gravity different than the specific gravity of the oil. As the oil and solvent streams are mixed, at least a portion of the contaminates are transferred from the oil to the solvent. The oil and solvent mixture is then separated by specific gravity into a stream comprising cleaned oil and a stream comprising solvent and contaminates. The cleaned oil stream is then returned to the bath, preferably being heated in a heat exchanger prior to introduction in the bath.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a process and apparatus for removing contaminates from edible cooking oil is provided. A continuous stream of cooking oil at an elevated temperature is withdrawn from a cooking bath. A continuous stream of liquid solvent for at least a portion of the contaminates is mixed with the oil. The solvent has a specific gravity different than the specific gravity of the oil. As the oil and solvent streams are mixed, at least a portion of the contaminates are transferred from the oil to the solvent. The oil and solvent mixture is then separated by specific gravity into a stream comprising cleaned oil and a stream comprising solvent and contaminates. The cleaned oil stream is than returned to the bath, preferably being heated in a heat exchanger prior to introduction in the bath.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for comestibles such as nuts and syrup comprising a kettle having an opening at one end thereof for access for insertion and removal of the comestibles. The kettle has a generally concave shape and is rotatable about an axis with respect to a supporting base. The kettle has a generally concave surface symmetric with respect the rotation axis. A mixing device is provided and is mounted stationary with respect to the rotating kettle and comprises an elongate substantially rigid bar which has a concave shape and is spaced from the rotating concave surface of the kettle. The bar contacts the comestibles during rotation of the kettle and continuously turns the comestibles to provide substantially uniform mixing thereof.