raditionally, thermal transesterifi cation of triglycerides requires a multiple step process with one or more batch reactors. Initially, TG and alcohol form two immiscible liquid phases. As the reaction proceeds, two separate liquid phases form, one containing the newly formed FAAEs and the other glycerol, with the excess alcohol, catalyst and feed oil being dispersed into both phases. Even the most effi cient of the traditional processes requires several hours to process each batch of feed. Additionally, serious problems arise in the separation steps. Signifi cant quantities of glycerol left in the alkyl esters diminish the quality of the diesel fuel and likewise contaminated glycerol also loses much of its value compared to pure uncontaminated glycerol. It