OPTIMIZATION OF ENZYME PRETREATMENT OF RAPESEED FOR ENHANCED OIL-RECOVERY

Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effect of seed m oisture content. enzyme (protein) content, incubation period and tempe rature on increased oil recovery. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) experimental approach was followed, Results of the study revea led that increased oil recovery could be as high as 6% compared to the control i.e., the untreated sample. Data were analyzed for empirical model and parameters optimized for test outputs. Based on response sur face model, the following optimum parameters were obtained: moisture c ontent of seed, 23.33% (w.b.); protein content, 53.23 mg/100g moisture -free sample; incubation period, 13.11 h and incubation temperature, 4 6.16 degrees C. Computer-generated response surfaces and canonical ana lysis showed that the stationary point represented a point of maximum response.