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Optimization of Oil Extraction from Cocoa Bean Shells Using Three Solvents with Solvent Reusability
Jarernporn Thawornprasert1, Krit Somnuk1
1Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.
ACS Omega
|February 12, 2024
Summary
This study optimizes oil extraction from cocoa bean shells, finding hexane and ethanol effective solvents. Reusing solvents significantly reduces waste, making cocoa bean shells a sustainable source for animal feed.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Chemical Engineering
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Cocoa bean shells are a byproduct of chocolate processing with significant oil content.
- The shells possess nutritional value, making them suitable for animal feed applications.
- Efficient extraction methods are needed to utilize this byproduct sustainably.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine optimal conditions for oil extraction from dried cocoa bean shells using hexane, anhydrous ethanol, and hydrous ethanol.
- To evaluate the feasibility of solvent reuse in the oil extraction process.
- To assess the potential of cocoa bean shells for producing animal feed pellets.
Main Methods:
- Response surface methodology was employed to optimize solvent-to-solid ratio, stirrer speed, and extraction time.
- Oil yield was determined under various conditions for each solvent.
- Solvent reuse efficiency was tested using miscella from previous extractions.
- Pelletization of dried and defatted cocoa bean shells was performed.
Main Results:
- Optimal extraction conditions were identified for hexane, anhydrous ethanol, and hydrous ethanol, yielding 10.80%, 10.50%, and 8.90% oil, respectively.
- Over 80% extraction efficiency was maintained for six cycles with hexane and two cycles with anhydrous ethanol using reused miscella.
- Cocoa bean shell oil primarily consists of triglycerides, with minor amounts of free fatty acids and diglycerides.
- Feed pellets were successfully produced from both dried and defatted cocoa bean shells.
Conclusions:
- Hexane and anhydrous ethanol are effective solvents for high-yield oil extraction from cocoa bean shells.
- Solvent reuse significantly enhances the sustainability of the extraction process by reducing solvent and energy consumption.
- Ethanol is recommended over hexane due to its environmental safety profile.
- Cocoa bean shells can be effectively processed into valuable animal feed pellets.
