Extraction Of Oil From Coconut And Its Characterization

1.2 Statement of problem

Coconut oil is commonly used in cooking,   it has been tested  for use as a feedstock for biodiesel and can also be used as skin moisturizer, helping with dry skin. Increasing the extraction of oil to meet the rising demand for vegetable oils in different industries requires a suitable solvent which is readily available in the country at a relatively cheaper cost to replace hexane, which is considered hazardous, expensive and occasionally scarce based on demand and cost of petroleum. This study therefore, sought to provide a fair idea on a possible solvent replacement using isopropyl alcohol and petroleum ether for hexane in the extraction of Coconut oil giving a clear indication as to the best options and requirements for higher optimum oil recoveries from coconut using these two solvents. Therefore, this study is carried out on the extraction of oil from coconut and its characterization

1.3 Aims of objectives of the study

1. To examine the various methods of extracting coconut oil

2. To examine the physical and chemical properties of extracted coconut oil

3. To examine the Characterization of Oil from Coconut Seed Using Alternative Solvents

1.4 Scope of the study

The research work covers feasibility study, scouting and acquisition of the necessary raw materials required for the production. Formulations research and the production of the polish samples. Other areas, analytical test of product qualities as compared with some commercial brands evaluation project, discussion, conclusion and recommendations.

1.5 Significance of the study

The coconut palm is the most important perennial source of oil, which is grow in India. The cultivation of coconut spread over the entire coastal belt and also some interior tracts compared to all other oil seed crops coconut has the highest productivity as well as consistency in production. Compared to all other seed crops coconut is less susceptible to abnormal climatic conditions. Coconut oil production in India Rotaries and expellers are used for crushing the dry coconut) known as copra) for recovery of oil. The standard prescribes the methods of grading and requirement of copra for extraction of oil and table use, together with methods of sampling and test.

1.6 Common methods of production of coconut

Different types of coconut oil for edible purposes are available viz;

1. Virgin coconut oil from wet coconuts (unrefined grade)

2. Coconut oil dry coconut (unrefined grade)

3. Coconut oil by solvent extraction method (refined from coconut expeller cake).

4. Virgin coconut oil is claimed to have more health benefits compared to coconut oil extracted from copra.