Effect of adsorption and solvent extraction process on the percentage of carotene extracted from crude palm oil

Palm carotene was successfully concentrated from crude palm oil (CPO) by a batch adsorption process using a synthetic (polymer) adsorbent followed by solvent extraction. Carotene was concentrated to about 20,000 ppm, or about 33.3 times the original concentration in CPO, Carotene recovery varied fro m 16 to 74% depending on the process conditions. Adsorption times, isopropa nol (IPA) extraction times, temperatures of adsorption and solvent extracti on process, effect of agitation during IPA extraction process, and adsorben t lifespan were evaluated to determine their effects on the percentage of c arotene extracted and carotene concentration. The minimum adsorption time r equired was 0.5 h. However, an adsorption time of 1.5 h gave a significantl y higher carotene concentration than adsorption times of 0.5, 1.0, and 0.2 h. The IPA extraction time was determined based on the final carotene conce ntration desired. The suitable temperature for adsorption and solvent extra ction process was 40 degreesC. There was no significant difference in the p ercentage of carotene extracted and carotene concentration between the IPA extraction process with and without agitation.