Does anyone split their byproduct into glycerin & FFAs then recover methanol?

I have done it both ways in small batches on a "lab" scale.

"Way 1" - Add acid, circulate, remove methanol, let settle, decant FFA/BD.

"Way 2" - Remove methanol, add acid, circulate, let settle, decant FFA/BD.

The glycerol produced the first way visually appears clearer and more reddish brown. The salt settled well.

The glycerol produced the second way is not as clear and darker. The salt does not settle as well.

I don't have test data on the results, but the first way seamed to work better and produce better glycerol.