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Abstract

The present invention generally concerns a treatment process for crude alkaline glycerol obtained as a by-product of transesterification reaction of natural oils and fats with lower alcohols. The present invention particularly concerns the treatment of crude alkaline glycerol obtained as a by-product of the biodiesel production from vegetable oils and animal fats using organic alkyl carboxylic acids or their aqueous solution, comprising the steps of: (a) acidification of the crude alkaline glycerol stock to pH in the range of about 4 to about 6, particularly 4 to 5, with organic alkyl carboxylic acids, in the presence of water in the range from about 5% to about 50%, particularly 15 to 30%, in weight with respect to the weight of the crude alkaline glycerol stock; (b) separating the formed free fatty acids, for instance by flotation; (c) removing the alcohol present in the acidified crude glycerol stock, for instance by distillation; (d) separating the acidic glycerol.

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First Claim