Kinetics of the Extraction of Oleoresin from Ginger: Influence of Particle Size and Extraction Time Effects

Abstract

The effects of particle sizes and extraction time on the solvent
extraction of oleoresin were studied to obtain data for process
control and optimization. Extraction was carried out using ethanol
as a solvent and at a constant temperature of 40oC. Ginger particle
sizes considered were 1200, 850, 600, 425 and 250 microns at
extraction times of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 minutes.
Experimental data generated were fitted to an empirical model to
determine the kinetic parameters. It was found that, for each particle
size, the yield of oleoresin increased with increasing extraction time
up to an optimum time after which the yield remained constant. Also,
the optimum extraction was found to have increased with decreasing
particle size. Furthermore, the maximum oleoresin yield was found
to be dependent on particle size, viz-a-viz, smaller particle sizes
favored greater yield. These results were reflected in the constants of
the Patricelli equation (K and τ). Fitting the experimental data to the
empirical model indicated a good fit as represented by the R2 values.
The ginger extract was characterized using FTIR.