The Effect of Time and RPM on the Saponification Process to Get High Carotenoids

Abstract

Red palm oil (RPO) is derived from the FFB of palm oil. Carotene in red palm oil or red palm oil cannot be obtained by ordinary processes. Various attempts were made to obtain carotene compounds by various methods of separation (extraction). Therefore, this study attempted to study the effect of the time and rotational speed of the rotary evaporator on the yield of carotenoid concentrates formed in the saponification process so that it would produce optimum carotenoid concentrates seen from the content of carotene and DOBI produced. The sample used was crude palm oil (CPO) which was processed in stages, namely transesterification, solvates micellization (SM), and saponification. The treatment was carried out in the saponification process, namely stirring time for 1.5 hours and 2 hours with each rotating speed of 1800 rpm, 2000 rpm, and 2200 rpm. In each process, carotenoids and DOBI values will increase. In the saponification process, the best treatment that produces high carotene and optimum DOBI is the stirring process at a speed of 1800 rpm for 1.5 hours. The time of stirring in the saponification process has a real effect on the value of carotene and the DOBI index.