Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing by producing shear and/or cavitation, and components for the apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mixing and/or cavitation chamber with an element such as an orifice component that is located adjacent the entrance of the cavitation chamber. The apparatus may further include a blade, such as a knife-like blade, disposed inside the mixing and/or cavitation chamber opposite the orifice component. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be scalable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing by producing shear and/or cavitation, and components for the apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mixing and/or cavitation chamber with an element such as an orifice component that is located adjacent the entrance of the cavitation chamber. The apparatus may further include a blade, such as a knife-like blade, disposed inside the mixing and/or cavitation chamber opposite the orifice component. In one version of such an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be cleaned in place. The apparatus may, be provided with at least one drain in liquid communication with the mixing chamber. If the apparatus comprises a blade, the apparatus may further include a blade holder that is movable so that the distance between the tip of the blade and the discharge of the orifice can be varied. In this or other embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be scalable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing by producing shear and/or cavitation, and components for the apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mixing and/or cavitation chamber with an element such as an orifice component that is located adjacent the entrance of the cavitation chamber. The apparatus may further include a blade, such as a knife-like blade, disposed inside the mixing and/or cavitation chamber opposite the orifice component. In one version of such an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be cleaned in place. The apparatus may, be provided with at least one drain in liquid communication with the mixing chamber. If the apparatus comprises a blade, the apparatus may further include a blade holder that is movable so that the distance between the tip of the blade and the discharge of the orifice can be varied. In this or other embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be scalable.

Abstract: Processes for the synthesis of high purity fatty acid lower alkyl esters comprise the steps of: (a) converting a fatty acid source to a product mixture comprising lower alkyl esters and by-products; (b) water-washing the product mixture at elevated temperature and elevated pressure to remove by-products; and (c) fractionally distilling the water-washed product mixture to obtain high purity fatty acid lower alkyl esters. At least a portion of the fatty acids have from about 20 to about 24 carbon atoms. The high purity lower alkyl esters have an acid value no greater than about 1.0.