PROCESSING OF OLEORESIN FROM KENYAN PINUS-RADIATA INTO ROSIN AND TURPENTINE

Quantitative analysis of a sample of pine oleoresin obtained from Keny an Pinus radiata was carried out. Subsequently, studies were carried o ut on the purification of the oleoresin by removing water, iron and tr ash. In the course of the process development, material balance data w ere obtained with respect to the melting of the gum, pre-filtration, f iltration decantation and finally the separation of rosin and turpenti ne by distillation. While the raw material was found to contain 69.25% and 24.84% rosin and turpentine respectively, the ratio of these two products after distillation was found to be about 1:1. The change was due to the recycled turpentine. The two products were analysed and the results compared well with standard specifications. This process deve lopment work led to the establishment of the first rosin plant in Keny a.