Pilot scale production of tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) oil by using hydraulic pressing: Effect of processing parameters

Abstract

Tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) was traditionally used for wound healing and to cure various skin problems and cosmetic purposes. In this research, the hydraulic pressing technique was used to extract Tamanu oil originating from Ben Tre province, Vietnam, at the pilot scale. The study investigates the influence of material properties such as morphology, material moisture, and process parameters such as pressing pressure and pressing time on extraction efficiency. It was found that rising pressing time and pressure increased extraction efficiency; morphology and material moisture had complex effects on the volume of Tamanu oil obtained. The highest Tamanu oil extraction yield was 639 mL/kg at conditions: material moisture of 8.2%, extruded kernels, pressing pressure of 180 kg/cm2 and pressing time of 15 minutes. Chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis indicated that prime fatty acids identified in Tamanu oil were palmitic acid (12.69%), stearic acid (13.52%), oleic acid (41.88%), and linoleic acid (29.94%). The research that the hydraulic press method was suitable to separate the Tamanu oil, and it could be used to manufacture Tamanu oil at an industrial scale.