Abstract: A process for the resolution of an emulsion which comprises an internal water phase, an external fat and/or oil containing phase and a finely divided metal contaminant which comprises mixing a contaminated emulsion with a volume of water sufficient to increase the total water content to at least 50% on a mass to mass basis, if the water content of the emulsion relative to that of the rest of the emulsion is less than 50% on a mass to mass basis; adding to the emulsion at least one of a suitable emulsifier and demulsifier; mixing the emulsion with a short-chain organic acid to lower the pH from to 3-5 and; allowing the emulsion to settle out into an upper layer comprising the external phase; a lower water layer and a bottom precipitate comprising the contaminant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for recovering wax from filter cake derived from the treatment of sugar cane in the production of cane sugar. The process involves taking up the wax in water by forming an aqueous slurry of the filter cake, adding a surface active agent to the slurry to assist the release of wax from the fibres in the slurry and then heating the slurry to melt the wax which then passes into the water. Thereafter an extractant for the wax, such as kerosene, is added to the slurry to extract the wax whereafter the extractant is separated off, the wax is allowed to crystallize on cooling and is then recovered by filtration or centrifuging.