Abstract: Process for the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of fatty acid glycerides, wherein the process is carried out continuously with the glyceride and the water being moved countercurrent to each other, and apparatus therefor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process, more especially a discontinuous process, for conducting a reaction taking place at elevated temperature in which heat-sensitive products are formed. To increase the volume-time yield, a heat transfer unit independent of the reactor is used for heating. The invention also relates to an apparatus for the production of heat-sensitive products at elevated temperatures. This apparatus comprises a reactor and a heating system. To increase the volume-time yield, the heating system comprises at least one heat transfer unit arranged outside and connected to the reactor.

Abstract: A process for the separation of propylene glycol from a mixture of low-boiling fatty alcohols and propylene glycol which comprises extracting the mixture with water to produce a water-propylene glycol mixture and fractionating the water-propylene glycol mixture to produce propylene glycol that is substantially anhydrous and an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: An improved process for purification of glycerol obtained from natural sources comprising alkalizing a glycerol-containing crude mixture in the presence of air for oxidation, evaporating the mixture in a thin-layer evaporator with redistillation of the residue, rectification and reevaporation in a packed column characterized by low-pressure-loss plates with a falling-film evaporator designed for internal and external partial condensation and to separate off unwanted constituents of the mixture, bleaching the product with activated carbon and separating the bleach in known manner.

Abstract: A process for the nondegenerative distillation of C.sub.6 -C.sub.24 -fatty acids, of the type obtained by splitting natural fats and oils or by synthetic processes, such as for example the oxidation of paraffins, the crude product is thermally dried under reduced pressure, the dried and heated crude product is subjected to fractional evaporation in falling-film evaporators, optionally in the presence of superheated steam, and the various vapor fractions are deposited in condensers. The thermal drying process is conducted at a temperature of 60.degree.-80.degree. C. and a pressure of 90-100 mbars. The de-watered crude product is fractionated in a film-forming evaporator and, after distillation, passes to a rectification column which condenses the low boiling constituents as the main runnings.