Development of Banana Peduncle Juice Extractor For Ethanol and Fiber Production

Philippine Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; Roejae Carlo Ang; Rossana Marie Amongo; Fernando Paras, Jr.; Delfin  Suministrado; Engelbert Peralta

doi:10.48196/018.01.2022.01

Philippine Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Roejae Carlo Ang Central Mindanao University
Rossana Marie Amongo University of the Philippines Los Baños
Fernando Paras, Jr. University of the Philippines Los Baños
Delfin Suministrado University of the Philippines Los Baños
Engelbert Peralta University of the Philippines Los Baños

DOI: https://doi.org/10.48196/018.01.2022.01

Keywords: banana peduncle, juice extractor, ethanol, fiber, bioconversion

Abstract

Banana (Musa acuminata C.) peduncle is a waste byproduct of commercial banana plantations in the Philippines. Several studies proved the potential of utilizing this agricultural waste as raw material to produce ethanol, and the practical applications of its high-quality fiber. However, mechanical juice extraction was found to limit production as machines used are intended for other commodities, which may not meet functionality requirements for optimum performance. To meet the need, a juice extractor was developed to extract juice from banana peduncle without rupturing its fiber structure for the purpose of ethanol production and fiber recovery. The machine employed a system of crushing rolls as extraction mechanism and was studied under the effects of roll rotational speed (50, 70, and 90 rpm) and crushing load (0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 kN). Optimum performance of the machine was obtained under the optimal setting, 71.4 rpm and 0.8 kN, which resulted to input capacity (307.24 kg/h), juice extraction rate (82.92 kg/h), juice recovery (26.08%), extraction losses (4.21%), extraction efficiency (18.46%), fuel consumption rate (0.391 L/h), fiber extraction rate (54.83 kg/h), and fiber recovery (42.29%). ANOVA reveals that higher roll rotational speed and lower crushing load increases input capacity, juice and fiber extraction rates, and fiber recovery. Lower roll rotational speed and higher crushing load increases juice recovery and extraction efficiency. Higher roll rotational speed increases extraction losses while higher crushing load increases fuel consumption rate. No significant effect was found on the °Brix of extracted juice and on the tensile strength of the fiber. Ethanol analysis showed that the fermented juice contains 10-11% ethanol v/v while fiber tests showed tensile strength values approximate to 300 MPa.

Citation:

ANG, R. C., AMONGO, R. M., PARAS, F., JR., SUMINISTRADO, D., & PERALTA, E. (2022). Development of Banana Peduncle Juice Extractor For Ethanol and Fiber Production. Philippine Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, 18(1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.48196/018.01.2022.01