VERFAHREN ZUR GEWINNUNG VON STERINEN

Isolation of sterols from residues of the distillation of transesterified oils comprises a first transesterification of the partial glycerides, followed by removal of by-products, and a second transesterification of the sterol esters under extreme conditions. Isolation of sterols from residues of the distillation of transesterified oils comprises: (a) transesterifying the partial glycerides in the mixture with a lower alcohol at 115-145 degrees C and 2-10 bar for 5-20 minutes in presence of a basic catalyst; (b) distilling off the excess of the alcohol; (c) separating off the catalyst and the glycerol obtained; (d) distilling off the fatty acid alkyl ester; and (e) converting the sterol esters and residual partial glycerides in the sump to free sterols and fatty acid esters by a further transesterification at 90-145 degrees C and 2-10 bar for 4-8 hours.