Date

5-2009

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering

College

College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Arnold R. Elepaño

Committee Member

Engelbert K. Peralta, Kevin F. Yaptenco

Abstract

This study was conducted to establish sorption isotherms of Tubang Bakod (Jatropha curcas) as a basis for storage of its seeds and kernels as further use for biodiesel production. The experiment, which employed the Static Gravimetric Method of Equilibrium Moisture Content Determination, controlled three temperatures: 30, 42 and 63°C and relative humidity (RH) range from 35-95% for dried and undried Jatropha seeds and kernels.Undried Jatropha seeds contain initial moisture of about 80.3-87.6% basis, while that of undried kernels contain moisture of about 61.8-95.3% dry basis. On the other hand, the initial moisture of dried seeds was about 4.5% dry basis, while that of kernels was about 3.2% dry basis. The samples equilibrated after 4 days to one month. The seeds have higher equilibrium moisture content (EMC) than that of kernels in all set-ups primarily due to the amount of moisture (49% MCwb) present in the seed coat. The samples placed at higher temperature stabilized faster than those observed in lower temperature. Molds were observed at higher relative humidity (above 70% RH) in both 30 and 45°C temperature. The samples placed at 60°C on the other hand, looked and smelled roasted, making the 30 and 45°C temperature samples more physically acceptable for storage. Statistical analysis showed that EMC of Jatropha curcas and kernels is dependent on temperature form and initial moisture content. Furthermore, EMC becomes independent of RH at increasing temperatures. The experimental sorption curves were fitted using five model equations which are: Modified Henderson, Modified Smith, Modified Oswin, Modified Halsey and GAB Equation. The Modified Smith Equation best described the adsorption and desorption isotherms of Jatropha seeds and kernels between 35-89% RH. Hysteresis was observed for both the seed and the kernels set-ups. Crude oil analysis performed for the seed samples at 45°C temperature between 32.8-75.3% RH showed that Jatropha seeds contain 48-52% oil.

Language

English

Call Number

LG 993.5 2009 A2 L39

Document Type

Thesis

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