Jatropha Oil Extraction Optimization through Varied Processing Conditions Using Mechanical Process

Abstract

This endeavour contains technical report on a project carried out on development of an expeller for Jatropha oil extraction. Parameters varied while evaluating the machine were hull fraction, heating time, number of pass and discharge gate opening. The parameters were varied to determine the condition under which maximum oil recovery, efficiency, and throughput capacity will be achieved. The effect of the varied parameters on the quality of the oil was determined by carrying out analysis on few samples to determine its physicochemical properties at some of the varied conditions. Depending on the defined limitations, the strainer press throughput was evaluated as 17 kg/hr. Maximum efficiency of 61 % was recorded at 80 % hull fraction with single pass and best heating time of 20 minutes. With double pass, the efficiency rose to an average value of 80%. In confirming its suitability for other oil crops, variables like shell fraction of 40% gave efficiency of the machine for groundnut oil seeds as 72.03 %, single pass. For castor, the efficiency was estimated as 62.5 %, single pass. Taking into consideration all the test results, optimal oil recovery is expected at 7 % moisture content, cooking time of  about 20 minutes, hull fraction of  80 % and above, discharge gate opening of 4mm and low speed of 30 rev/min or less. Additional research should be carried out using other relevant processes to provide better insight on how to achieve process efficiencies and viabilities that have close resemblance with industrial practice.