Improving the operation of the conventional citronella (Cymbogon nardus) oil extractor through optimization studies
2011
Pangan, R.S. | Rodulfo, V.A.Jr | Gallegos, R.K.B. | Amongo, R.M.C. | Arenal, A.M.
Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) oil is commonly extracted by the process of steam distillation where hot steam passes through the materials. Due to the high temperature, the oil evaporates. The gases, (oil and steam) then pass through a condenser where both the oil and water liquefies. Since, the oil and water do not mix, the oil can be easily separated. However, this conventional process is very inefficient in terms of oil recovery, about 0.35 to 0.6% only, thus optimization studies were conducted to determine the different parameters that affect the oil recovery. The study aimed to optimize the performance of the 150 kg load citronella distiller located at the UP-LQ LG [Laguna-Quezon Land Grant] in Siniloan, Laguna [Philippines]. Box and Behnken experimental design was used to determine the effects of air drying time after harvest, length of cut of the leaves and loading capacity to the weight of wood fuel used, time of extraction and oil recovery. Response surface regression methodology was used in analyzing the responses. Results showed that the time of extraction was independent of the operating parameters while the weight of fuel used was solely dependent on the loading capacity. The optimum values obtained were 3 days of air drying time after harvest, 3 inches length of cut and 50 kg loading capacity. The combination resulted to 0.75% oil recovery, 100 kg weight of wood fuel and 7.52 hours of extraction. The cost of producing citronella oil was computed to be greater than its current selling price making the operation not profitable with the current scale.
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