A method of removing at least one polar component from a fluid stream. The
method comprises providing a fluid stream comprising at least one
nonpolar component and at least one polar component. The fluid stream is
contacted with a supercritical solvent to remove the at least one polar
component. The at least one nonpolar component may be a fat or oil and
the at least one polar component may be water, dirt, detergents, or
mixtures thereof. The supercritical solvent may decrease solubility of
the at least one polar component in the fluid stream. The supercritical
solvent may function as a solvent or as a gas antisolvent. The
supercritical solvent may dissolve the nonpolar components of the fluid
stream, such as fats or oils, while the polar components may be
substantially insoluble. Alternatively, the supercritical solvent may be
used to increase the nonpolarity of the fluid stream.