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Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods of purifying hydrocarbons. The methods include flowing an aqueous phase comprising water into a first end of a mixing region of a reactor along a first direction. An organic phase is mixed, via a countercurrent flow, with the aqueous phase by flowing the organic phase into a second end opposite to the first end of the mixing region. The organic phase comprises an oil, fat, grease, or combinations thereof, such as from vegetable and/or animal sources. The flow of the organic phase is along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the organic phase comprises at least a contaminant comprising halides, phosphorous, sulfur, alkali metals, metalloids, heavy metals, or any combination thereof. The mixing region is heated. A purified organic phase is extracted from a purification region of the reactor. A waste is extracted from a waste region of the reactor.

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First Claim