Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for the production of lower alkyl esters at temperatures of up to 100.degree. C. and under pressures of up to 10 bar by reaction of fatty acid triglycerides containing less than 1% free fatty acid with a lower alcohol in two stages in the presence of a homogeneous alkaline catalyst, the glycerol formed being removed after the first stage. To enable the process to be carried out with high yields and with lower maintenance, investment and energy costs than in the prior art, the reaction mixture is passed through a reactor and a following static separator only once in each stage, tube reactors are used as the reactors and the Reynolds number of the flow of the reaction mixture is greater than 2,300.

Abstract: A process for the separation, by sedimentation, of at least one liquid organic component dispersed in a liquid containing mainly organic materials, this organic component and the remaining liquid exhibiting a difference in density. In order to reduce considerably the standing time, it is proposed that the liquid be passed before sedimentation through a fiber bed that the organic component and the remaining liquid have different surface tensions with respect to the fiber bed, that the temperature of the liquid and the concentration of the organic component to be separated are such that, in the equilibrium state, at least two liquid phases form, and that the rate of flow of the liquid through the fiber bed lies below a maximum value dependent on the surface tension of the organic component with respect of the fiber bed and on the difference in density and surface tension between the remaining liquid and the organic component.