Precious Abraham1, E. E. Ehirim2, Maurice. Ekwulo3 &
John. M. Mbaba4
Extraction of Vegetable Oil from Dacryodes Edulis (African Pear Leaves)
Abstract
This study was used to investigates the extraction of vegetable oil from African pear leaves (Dacryodes Edulis) using petroleum ether as a solvent. The extraction was conducted maintaining the following controls: temperatures (45 ºC - 60 ºC), times of extraction (20min - 60min), particle sizes (optimal at 1.8 mm), and solvent volumes (300 ml). Physicochemical properties of the oil were analyzed, and oil yield predictions were made using power and kinetic models. Physicochemical analysis classified the oil as a non-drying oil with applications in diverse industries. Optimal conditions for maximum yield were determined, considering factors such as particle size, temperature, extraction time, and solvent volume. Extraction kinetics revealed that both power and first-order kinetic models effectively predicted oil recovery, with the power model exhibiting a slightly better performance. Contributions to knowledge include insights into the extraction of oil from African pear leaves, emphasizing the suitability of petroleum ether as a cost-effective solvent. Recommendations highlight the potential of locally produced pear leaf oil to meet Nigeria's demand for products, reducing dependence on imports. Furthermore, suggestions for equipment upgrades, consistent power supply, and enhanced water availability aim to improve research efficiency. Future research is encouraged to explore the intrinsic behavior of African pear leaf oil for comprehensive characterization and classification, advancing its potential applications.
Keywords: Oil extraction, petroleum ether, power Log and kinetic models.
