Otimização da extração mecânica do Óleo de Nim utilizando metodologia de superfíce de resposta

Abstract

The oil extraction techniques for use in therapeutic purposes have been the subject of several studies in order to meet better yields and higher concentration of the active ingredients. In this context, the mechanical pressing has been received a great attention in the researches involving oilseeds. In the present work the influence of the se d feed rate, axis of rotational speed of the ext ruder and the temperature of the drying air on the extrac tion efficiency, azadirachtin A concentration and o il extracted moisture content were evaluated using res ponse surface methodology. The optimal condition for the feed rate, the axis of rotational speed and the drying air temperature were 2.4 kg/h, 64.14 pp m and 54.34°C, respectively. The model tested provide s an extraction efficiency of 66.13%, moisture content of Neem oil of 0.017 kg water/kgdryoil and concentration of azadirachtin A of 596,54 ppm. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Nim; extração de óleo; caracterização