ASSEMBLAGE OF AN “IN-HOUSE” HOT OIL EXTRACTOR FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PALM KERNEL OIL

Abstract

This study investigated the assemblage of an “in- house” extractor for the extraction of palm kernel oil from palm kernel nut and anacardic acid from cashew nut for the production of soap. Palm kernel oil and anacardic acid were extracted using a self-assembled vacuum fryer extractor. The extraction was carried out using anhydrous glycerol. The pH of the palm kernel oil and anacardic acid extracted was checked using a pH meter. The percentage yields of the palm kernel oil obtained via the vacuum fryer extractor was 36.70%, implying that the extraction method was efficient. The percentage yields of the cashew nut shell liquid and anacardic acid obtained via the vacuum fryer extractor were 20% and 60%, respectively, implying that the extraction method was efficient. The extracted oils were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and used for the production of soap. Physicochemical parameters of the soaps were analyzed. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry was used to analyze the soaps produced. In this study, palm kernel oil and cashew nut shell liquid was successfully extracted using the “in-house” hot oil extractor.