Abstract: A method of purifying a crude polyalkylene oxide polymer that contains a catalyst, such as potassium hydroxide. The method comprises contacting the crude polyalkylene oxide polymer with a composition comprising an acid functionalized silicate, such as an acid functionalized magnesium silicate adsorbent containing at least one acid in an amount effective to remove the catalyst from the polyalkylene oxide polymer. Such a method provides for an improved removal of the catalyst from the polyalkylene oxide polymer.

Abstract: A method of purifying a rendered fat by contacting the rendered fat with at least one adsorbent material, such as magnesium silicate. The at least one adsorbent material may be used alone or in combination with other purifying materials, such as an acid. Such method provides for improved removal of impurities, such as polyethylene, phosphorus-containing compounds, chlorophyll, metals, soap, and sterol glucosides from the rendered fat.

Abstract: The method of purifying an unrefined edible oil or fat by contacting the unrefined edible oil or fat with at least one adsorbent material. The at least one adsorbent material comprises magnesium silicate. The magnesium silicate may be used alone or in combination with other purifying materials, such as citric acid. Such method provides for improved removal of impurities, such as phosphorus-containing compounds, soap, chlorophyll, metals, and sterol glucosides from the unrefined edible oil or fat.

Abstract: The process utilizes the adsorbent column system as a treatment after chemical refining or before physical refining rather than water or filtration, respectively, to remove soaps and other impurities entrained in a crude triacylglycerol. The CDTAG or ORTAG is contacted with an adsorbent packed into a column, or multiple columns in series, for a sufficient amount of time to remove impurities such as, but not limited to, soaps, metals, chlorophyll, and many of the other compounds that reduce the stability of the TAG. The resulting TAG exiting the column(s) is ready for the deodorization process. Once the adsorbent no longer removes the desired amount of impurities, it is regenerated for reuse. Such a continuous regenerable adsorbent refining process substantially reduces the amount of fresh water required and the amount of waste water generated to purify TAG and reduces the amount of solid waste produced.

Abstract: A quick, economical and environmentally friendly, “green”, process for the continuous purification of biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl esters (FAAE)) is described using a powdered, granulated or extruded adsorbent. The adsorbent is contained in a column system and is regenerated for reuse multiple times. The process employs an adsorbent such as, but not limited to, carbon, silica, clay, zeolite or a metal silicate contained in a column to remove the impurities from fatty acid alkyl esters (FAAE) or crude biodiesel in a continuous process. The process utilizes the adsorbent column system for the purification of biodiesel, rather than water or filtration, to remove soaps and other impurities entrained in a crude biodiesel.

Abstract: A method of purifying a biodiesel fuel by contacting the biodiesel fuel with at least one adsorbent material, such as magnesium silicate. Such method removes impurities, such as soap, formed during the production of biodiesel fuels.

Abstract: A sealing means for sealing a filter envelope of a filter apparatus which includes at least one clip for sealing the filter envelope, and at least one connecting means extending from the filter apparatus to the at least one clip. Such a sealing means prevents the accidental discarding of clips for sealing filter envelopes.

Abstract: A filter for removing undesired materials from a fluid, such as used cooking oil, for example, includes a filter envelope including first and second panels. The first panel has a permeability which is greater than that of the second panel. The first panel of the filter envelope may be formed from a filter pad and the second panel from a filter paper, and may enclose a metal spacer grid. When the filter is connected to a pump for drawing the oil through the filter, the flow of the oil is directed selectively through the filter pad, whereby undesired materials are removed from the oil. The filter provides for efficient flow of the oil to be filtered while removing undesired materials therefrom.

Abstract: A filter for removing undesired materials from a fluid, such as used cooking oil, for example, includes a filter envelope including first and second panels. The first panel has a permeability which is greater than that of the second panel. The first panel of the filter envelope may be formed from a filter pad and the second panel from a filter paper, and may enclose a metal spacer grid. When the filter is connected to a pump for drawing the oil through the filter, the flow of the oil is directed selectively through the filter pad, whereby undesired materials are removed from the oil. The filter provides for efficient flow of the oil to be filtered while removing undesired materials therefrom.

Abstract: A process for treating used cooking oil or fat by passing the used cooking oil or fat from a used cooking oil or fat source to a holding vessel, and contacting the used cooking oil or fat with a predetermined amount of purifying material upon accumulation of a first predetermined amount of the oil or fat in the holding vessel. The used cooking oil or fat and the purifying material then are passed from the holding vessel to a filter apparatus upon accumulation of a second predetermined amount of the oil or fat in the holding vessel. The second predetermined amount of oil or fat is greater than the first predetermined amount. Upon passing of the used cooking oil or fat and the purifying material from the holding vessel to the filter apparatus, the purifying material becomes entrained in the filter apparatus. The used cooking oil or fat then is passed from the filter apparatus to the source.

Abstract: A process for treating cooking oil or fat which comprises contacting cooking oil or fat with magnesium silicate and at least one alkali material, such as, for example, calcium hydroxide. The magnesium silicate and at least one alkali material are present in amounts effective to reduce the content of free fatty acids in the oil or fat and permit reuse of the oil or fat for cooking. Such method provides for improved extension of the life of the cooking oil employed in restaurant-type and industrial frying operations.

Abstract: A method of treating a fruit-based or vegetable-based beverage to remove chill haze components therefrom which comprises contacting the beverage with an effective amount of an amorphous hydrous precipitated synthetic magnesium silicate which has been treated to reduce the pH thereof to less than about 9.0. Such a method is particularly applicable to the treatment of beer and related beverages and provides for improved removal of chill haze components from such beverages.