TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Process: The fluid further comprises an alcohol mixed with the oil and the chemical reaction produces biodiesel; a caustic agent and the chemical reaction produces glycerol and/or surfactant; an alcohol mixed with the caustic agent; or an aqueous solution of caustic agent and alcohol and the chemical reaction produces glycerol. The biodiesel is further reacted to produce acetic acid. The weight fraction of the alcohol in the mixture of oil and alcohol flowing into the electrical field is 4 - 30 (preferably 12 - 15)%. The electric field is applied to the fluid by flowing the fluid between an anode and a cathode of an electro-potential cell. The electrical potential is 2000 - 8000 volts per inch between the anode and cathode. The electric field is generated by a direct current. The electro-potential cell comprises the housing in which the anode and cathode are secured. The electro-potential cell comprises a T- or L-shape housing in which the anode and cathode are secured. Preferred Component: The alcohol comprises methanol, ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. The caustic agent comprises sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The product fluid comprises bio-diesel. The biodiesel fuel further comprises a petroleum diesel fuel. The etherified glycerin comprises 1,2,3 propanoate. Preferred System: (S1) Further comprises a second electro-chemical reactor in series with the first electro-chemical reactor; a alcohol supply vessel containing an alcohol and pump or other device for directing a quantity of the alcohol into a quantity of the reactant fluid, into a quantity of the product fluid, or into both; and a distillation unit and a pump or other device for directing a quantity of the product fluid into the distillation unit. At least a portion of the biodiesel is mixed with an alcohol and heated to form a mixture of acetic acid and byproducts. The mixture is distilled to separate the acetic acid from a portion of the byproducts. The distilled acetic acid is cooled to precipitate the acetic acid forming glacial acetic acid. The glacial acetic acid is separated from a second portion of the byproducts by centrifugation. Preferred Device: The ceramic material comprises a fused silica oxide. The anode comprises a beryllium-copper alloy and is in the form of an elongated rod which tapers to a point in the direction of the cathode. The cathode is in the shape of ring which fittingly engages an inner surface of the housing, the fluid flow path extending through the ring. The housing is cylindrical in shape, the fluid inlet having a central axis approximately coextensive with the central axis of the fluid outlet. The reactor comprises a T- or L-shape housing in which the anode and cathode are secured. The fluid inlet is oriented approximately perpendicular to the fluid outlet.