Characterization of Coconut Sugar Produced Using a Bench-Scale Evaporator

Author : De Torres, Anna Liza Colegio
Major Adviser : Lozada, Ernesto P.
Committee Members : Demafelis, Rex B.; Arquiza, Apollo C.; Movillon, Jovita A.
Year : 1993
Month : April
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract

A bench-scale soap kettle was used to saponify crude coconut oil by the full-boiled process. It has a hot plate as heat source and and an anchor serves as an agitator. The saponified samples were analyzed for crude fat and free fatty acid content to determine the degree of saponification.

Results showed that there was a decrease in % crude fat as reaction proceeds. Conversely, there was an increasing degree of saponification as reaction time increased. At a stirring rate of 34 rpm, a reaction time of 5 hours was sufficient to achieve 98.5% conversion; using 43 rpm, the reaction time was 2 hours; and at 57 rpm, the reaction time was 1 hour.

These results indicate that it is possible to use an electrically heated soap kettle to saponify coconut oil.

The presence of free fatty acid was not detected in the saponified samples. Also, a decrease in moisture content was observed as reaction time increased.


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