Extraction modeling, kinetics and thermodynamics of solvent extraction
of Irvingia gabonensis kernel oil, for possible industrial application
Abstract
Temperature, time and particle size effects on Irvingia gabonensis
kernel oil (IGKO) yield, as well as the kinetics and thermodynamics
parameters were investigated. Highest oil yield of 68.80 % (by weight)
was obtained at 55 °C, 150 min., and 0.5 mm. Evaluated physicochemical
properties of IGKO indicated that viscosity, acidity, dielectric
strength, flash and pour points were 19.37 mm2s-1, 5.18 mg KOHg-1, 25.83
KV, 285 °C, and 17 °C, respectively, suggesting its feasibility as
transformer fluid upon further treatment. Of the pseudo second order
(PSO) and hyperbolic kinetic models studied, the former gave better fit
to the experimental data. ∆H, ∆S and ∆G values of IGKO extraction at 0.5
mm and 328 K were, 251.81 KJ/mol, 1.08 KJ/mol and -105.49 KJ/mol,
respectively, indicating the endothermic, irreversible and spontaneous
nature of the process. Kinetic model equations that describe the process
were successfully developed for both models based on the process
parameters.