Green Technology for Baru Oil Extraction Using Solar Energy: Assessing Extraction Efficiency and Process Parameters

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Renewable Energy Technologies
• Sustainable Extraction Processes

Background:

• Baru oil is a valuable resource with diverse industrial applications.
• Conventional oil extraction methods can be energy-intensive and environmentally impactful.
• Sustainable and efficient extraction techniques are needed to maximize resource utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of solar concentrator technology for Baru oil extraction.
• To evaluate the impact of particle size and solvent flow rate on extraction efficiency.
• To establish solar-assisted leaching as a viable, eco-friendly extraction method.

Main Methods:

• Systematic experimental analysis of Baru oil extraction using solar concentrator technology.
• Evaluation of varying particle sizes (e.g., 1.01 mm vs. 2.18 mm).
• Optimization of solvent flow rate (e.g., 25 mL/min) for maximum extraction yield.

Main Results:

• Smaller particle sizes (1.01 mm) significantly improved extraction efficiency, reaching up to 89.25%.
• Larger particle sizes (2.18 mm) yielded an average of 54.32% (±3.2%).
• A solvent flow rate of 25 mL/min was found to be optimal for maximizing extraction.

Conclusions:

• Particle size and solvent flow rate are critical parameters influencing solar-assisted Baru oil extraction efficiency.
• Solar concentrator technology offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods.
• This research supports small-scale producers by enhancing the value of agricultural products through efficient oil extraction.