Abstract: Use of sonocrystallisation particularly for triglyceride fat fractionation and for the manufacture of W/O-emulsion spreads. The sonocrystallisation is used in the absence of transient cavitation so that adverse sonochemistry is avoided.

Abstract: Oils, extracted from vegetables and animal tissues contain impurities such as waxes that can be removed in a refining process, including dewaxing of the oils that include removal of oils by filtration through membranes. During filtration, the impurities stick to the membranes, which causes a reduction in flux through the membranes. The initial top flux can be approached again by regularly cleaning the membranes including steps of: backblowing with gas, backflushing with edible oil, and treating the membranes with alkaline material. The cleaning method is particularly suitable for cleaning membranes in the form of microfilters having an average pore diameter of 0.5-5 &mgr;m, which are used in the refining process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for refining high acidity vegetable oil that includes a) stripping an optionally bleached vegetable oil with steam at a temperature of 120 to 250° C. and a pressure of 0.7 to 5 mbar for 1 to 60 minutes; b) treating the oil obtained with lye; c) bleaching the oil obtained; d) stripping the bleached oil obtained with steam at a temperature of 120-250° C. and a pressure of 0.7-5 mbar for 5-120 minutes. The resulting oil is bland, transparent and colorless. Refined olive oil is suited for blending with a virgin olive oil or to be used as an ingredient for the preparation of spreads, mayonnaises, tomato sauces and salad oils.