The disclosure provides a process for a hydrothermal feedstock treatment including direct steam injection and cooling, which may be performed in the absence of a reactor. The process can be used to reduce inorganic and organic contaminants, such as salts, minerals, metals, asphaltenes, polymers, and coke precursors in both renewable and non-renewable feedstocks. The hydrothermal feedstock treatment may also be used in soap acidulation processes.

The disclosure provides a process for a hydrothermal feedstock treatment including direct steam injection and cooling, which may be performed in the absence of a reactor. The process can be used to reduce inorganic and organic contaminants, such as salts, minerals, metals, asphaltenes, polymers, and coke precursors in both renewable and non-renewable feedstocks. The hydrothermal feedstock treatment may also be used in soap acidulation processes.