Optimization of Operating Parameters in the Extraction of Caustic Potash (KOH) from Palm Kernel Bunch (An Agricultural By-Product) Ash

Abstract

Extraction of potassium hydroxide from palm kernel bunch ash was carried out at various temperatures and times. This paper therefore highlights the effect of temperature and time on the yield of potassium hydroxide from palm kernel bunch. It further optimized these parameters called operating parameters to get the best-fitted combination of temperature and time that gives the maximum yield of potassium hydroxide. The various data were used to form an objective function, with yield as dependent variable. The temperatures and times were used as the independent variables. The most suitable equation was selected based on regression analysis and optimized using the one-at-a-time method. The result shows that the optimum yield was 33.78% at 630.76°C and 9 hours 9 minutes for temperature and ashing period respectively.