- For continuous systems, preheated oil (80°C) is treated with water and mixed in a holding tank for approximately 15 minutes (or for less than 1 minute with continuous in-line agitators).
- The water–oil mixture must be treated very gently to avoid developing an emulsion; high shear stress in the feed pump and at the centrifuge inlet must be avoided.
- After hydration, centrifuges separate the sludge and degummed oil phases.