Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for isolation of micronutrients from deodorizer distillate comprising free fatty acids, the process comprises the following steps: (i) treating the deodorizer distillate in an esterification step with glycerol, which esterification step is autocatalyzed, producing a feedstock of acyl glycerides, and discharging excess of glycerol and produced water; (ii) transferring the feedstock of acyl glycerides having a water content less than 1500 ppm and a free fatty acid content less than 3 wt % to a transesterification step and treating the feedstock of acyl glycerides with methanol to produce a crude biodiesel product; and (iii) refining the crude biodiesel product in a distillation step, and separating the crude biodiesel product into three fractions 1) fatty acid methyl esters, 2) micronutrient rich product comprising tocopherol, and 3) light hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for isolation of micronutrients from deodorizer distillate comprising free fatty acids, the process comprises the following steps: (i) treating the deodorizer distillate in an esterification step with glycerol, which esterification step is autocatalysed, producing a feedstock of acyl glycerides, and discharging excess of glycerol and produced water; (ii) transferring the feedstock of acyl glycerides having a water content less than 1500 ppm and a free fatty acid content less than 3 wt % to a transesterification step and treating the feedstock of acyl glycerides with methanol to produce a crude biodiesel product; and (iii) refining the crude biodiesel product in a distillation step, and separating the crude biodiesel product into three fractions 1) fatty acid methyl esters, 2) micronutrient rich product comprising tocopherol, and 3) light hydrocarbons.