Abstract: A process for the transesterification of fat and/or oil of biological origin by means of alcoholysis comprises the following steps: provision in a vessel of fat and/or oil of biological origin to be transesterified, and implementation of alcoholysis by addition of an alkanol, in particular of a monohydric alkanol, and of a catalyst to the fat and/or oil that has been provided. with a view to eliminating the disadvantages of traditional transesterification processes, a metal salt of an amino acid or of an amino-acid derivative is used as catalyst, said metal salt being insoluble in alkanols.

Abstract: A process for the transesterification of fat and/or oil of biological origin by means of alcoholysis comprises the following steps:

Abstract: A process for producing pulverous, i.e., powdered, preparations from sparingly soluble solid materials is disclosed. The process utilizes dimethyl ether under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure to dissolve the solid material. Upon release of the pressure, the solid material precipitates as a fine powder and the gaseous dimethyl ether is released or drawn off.

Abstract: A process for producing pulverous, i.e., powdered, preparations from sparingly soluble solid materials is disclosed. The process utilizes dimethyl ether under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure to dissolve the solid material. Upon release of the pressure, the solid material precipitates as a fine powder and the gaseous dimethyl ether is released or drawn off.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing fatty acid esters from fatty acid triglyceride and in particular from animal or vegetable fats and oils by transesterification with a monovalent low-molecular weight alcohol in the presence of a homogeneous or heterogeneous catalyst. In accordance with the invention, the formed fatty acid ester is extracted from the reaction mixture by means of a near-critical extractant. In this way fatty acid esters are obtained at high yield and excellent purity. As the extractant preferably a low pressure gas having a reduced temperature at 20° C. of about 0.7, preferably of equal to or greater than 0.7, is employed. Preferred extractants are carbon dioxide, propane, butane, dimethyl ether, ethyl acetate or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: In a novel process for the production of particles or powders, a substance or mixture of substances to be treated is provided in a pressure vessel. A highly compressible fluid is dissolved under pressure in the substance or mixture of substances provided until a solution containing 5% to 90% by weight of said highly compressible fluid has formed. The melting point of said highly compressible fluid is at least around 40 K lower than the melting point of the substance or mixture of substances to be treated.

Abstract: In order to make processes for finishing animal hides or pelts less labor-intensive and more environmentally compatible, a process is proposed in which, following a conventionally conducted soak, the animal hides or pelts are treated with a conventional tanning solution in which carbon dioxide has been dissolved under pressure. This makes it possible to reduce considerably the period of time usually required for the production of leather or pelts, since the treatment period is reduced markedly. Furthermore, it is possible in this way to combine conventional treatment steps and to conduct them in only one single treatment step. Instead of the 20 to 40 t of waste water per tonne of leather or pelt which are customary with conventional processes, only about 2 t of waste water per tonne of leather or pelt are now produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating alkyl glycoside mixtures or alcohol-containing alkyl glycoside mixtures by extraction, which is characterized in that the extraction is carried out with an extraction agent, which is close to or below the critical point at a reduced temperature ranging from 0.9 to 1.2, and at pressures, which are selected so that the density of the extraction agent is at least 180 kg/m.sup.3.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing alkyl glucosides by the acetalization of sugars, particularly glucose, with alcohols in excess and subsequent separation of the excess alcohol by extraction, the extraction being carried out with an extraction agent, which is close to the critical point at a reduced pressure in the range of 0.8 to 1.3 and preferably of 0.9 to 1.2 at pressures, which are selected so that the density of the extraction agent, which is close to the critical point, is greater than 180 kg/m.sup.3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering monoglycerides and optionally diglycerides and/or triglycerides as well as optionally glycerol from mixtures comprising glycerides and glycerol containing glycerides, respectively, by countercurrent extraction with a circulating extraction. As an extractant, forming a separate phase, there is used a hydrocarbon having a density of more than 180 kg/m.sup.3 and/or trifluoromethane having a density of more than 180 kg/m.sup.3.