Production of Alkali Using Local Raw Material (palm inforescence)
The production of alkali using local raw materials, specifically palm inflorescence, is a process of significant importance in various industries. Palm inflorescence, rich in organic compounds, serves as a valuable source for alkali production. The utilization of this indigenous resource not only underscores sustainability but also aligns with the global push towards eco-friendly practices. The extraction and transformation of the raw material involve intricate chemical processes, harnessing the inherent alkaline properties to generate a versatile substance crucial in diverse applications. This locally sourced alkali has the potential to contribute substantially to sectors such as soap and detergent manufacturing, water treatment, and agricultural processes. The integration of palm inflorescence in alkali production represents an innovative approach, fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on conventional sources. This initiative not only addresses economic considerations but also promotes environmental stewardship by tapping into locally abundant resources for essential industrial needs.
The project aims to develop a flow process to obtain the optimum temperature and time necessary for the maximum recovery of alkali present in palm inflorescence.
On this ground, a preliminary experiment was performed. During this process, both male and female palm inflorescence were compared for maximum alkali production and it was observed that the female palm inflorescence produced highest quantity of alkali than the male palm inflorescence. Based on this, the female palm inflorescence was used in performing the experiment.
Also, experiments were carried out to determine the optimum temperature and time for maximum alkali recovery. After the analysis and analytical calculations it was found that the optimum temperature for maximum alkali production is 4500c and the corresponding time for the production is 90 minutes.
Title page
Letter of transmittal
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of content
1.0 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Need for local production of Alkali
2.0 CHAPTER TWO –
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Oil palm tree (description)
2.1.1 Classification of palm and location
2.1.2 Oil palm: Historical review
2.2 Palm inflorescence
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Experimental procedure
CHAPTER FOUR
Experimental results
CHAPTER SIX
Conclusion
CHAPTER SEVEN
Recommendation
References
CHAPTER EIGHT
Appendixes
Over the years, alkali has been of prime importance as raw material both for industrial and laboratory purpose. Alkali as a word was derived from an erabic word, which mean ashes. Ashes could be wood ashes, Ngu ashes or any other type of ash sourced by burning a given material. Alkali is said to be the basic hydroxide, which is soluble in water.
The compounds of alkali metals are so soluble that they tend to be leached out of the soil by rainwater end hence carried by streams and rivers to the sea. Based on this, sea water contain about three percent (3%) by weight of alkali salts.
Alkalis are produced both industrially end locally. The local production is mainly by the use of palm inflorescence or plantain peels. It involved burning of the palm inflorescence and subsequently leaching out of the alkali with water. When the produced alkali is sourced, potassium hydroxide is much in quantity then sodium hydroxide. About 45% of alkali is obtained using the female palm inflorescence of the oil palm tree.
The quality of the leachate obtained depends on the following.
i. Ashing condition
ii. Solvent used
iii. The type of plant ash used
iv. Method of leaching
One of the major raw materials for soap production is alkali. The alkali may be a hydroxide, a carbonate of hydrogen carbonate. The cations most commonly used are those of sodium and potassium. At the time of saponification, they denote metal ions, which form soap with fatty acid. Hence
0
H2 C – C OR1
0
H C – C – OR11 + 3xY 3RC00x + CH2 Y
CH2 Y
H2 C – C – OR111 CH2 Y
Where x is a metal ion
Many of the alkali has gained wide application some of them are sodium hydroxide (Na0H), sodium carbonate (Na0 C03), potassium hydroxide (KOH), sodium hydrogen carbonate and potassium hydrogen carbonate (KHC03).
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT RESEARCH
i. Establishment of the best and optimum method of producing high quality alkali locally.
ii. Development of a flow process to obtain the optimum temperature and time needed for the maximum recovery of the high quality alkali and specification of its concentration at this optimum condition.
iii. Preparation of the detailed process flow diagram.
1.1 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH
It is important to state that production of alkali locally is very much encouraged. This is because soap which is one of the numerous products produced by the use of alkali finds extensive usage both in domestic and other general laundry activities.
In order to sustain the industry in dear need of alkali as a major raw material, there is the need that alkali should be locally produced, more especially at this period of time that the federal government has placed ban on importation of some of the basic raw materials needed in soap and soap related industries.
For there to be continuity of these industries, alkali which is a major raw material must be source locally. This can be obtained by the use of palm inflorescence of oil palm (Eleasis Guineasis). The production of alkali through this means, makes 17 possible for soap industries and other related industries to obtain one of their major raw materials.
Owing to the fact that this production process is relatively cheap, it prevents the expenses incurred in the importation of alkali for soap production and other uses which subsequently reduces the cost of the final products. Hence, this research project is geared towards harnessing the somewhat neglected Nigerian’s agricultural prowess in the preservation of the vest palm trees found in her rich forest, and then make appropriate use of its palm inflorescence in the production of alkali.
Production of alkali using local raw material (palm inflorescence):
Producing alkali (commonly referred to as lye or caustic soda) using local raw materials like palm inflorescence can be achieved through a process known as leaching. Lye is typically sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), and the following steps can be used to produce it:
Materials Needed:
Palm inflorescence (ash source)
Water
Containers
Filtering materials (such as cloth or a fine sieve)
Heating equipment (optional)
Protective gear (gloves and goggles)
Steps:
Collect and Prepare Palm Inflorescence:
Gather palm inflorescence, which can be palm tree ash obtained from the burnt remains of the inflorescence. The ashes are rich in potassium and sodium compounds, which can be used as a source for alkali.
Leaching the Ashes:
Place the palm inflorescence ashes in a container or a pit.
Add water to the ashes, creating a mixture. The amount of water needed depends on the quantity of ashes and the desired concentration of the alkali solution. Typically, you can use around 1 part ash to 2-3 parts water by weight.
Stirring and Mixing:
Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that the ashes are well-dispersed in the water.
Allow Settling:
Let the mixture sit for several hours or even overnight. During this time, the alkali compounds will dissolve into the water.
Filtering:
After settling, carefully pour off the liquid from the top, leaving the solid residue behind. You can use a fine sieve or cloth to filter out any remaining solid particles.
Evaporation (Optional):
If you want to obtain solid alkali (potassium or sodium carbonate), you can evaporate the liquid to concentrate the alkali solution. Use heat to speed up the evaporation process. Be cautious when heating the solution, as it can release harmful fumes, and always do this in a well-ventilated area.
Crystallization (Optional):
If you want to obtain solid alkali in crystal form, continue to evaporate the solution until it becomes saturated. Then, allow it to cool slowly, and crystals of the alkali will form.
Storage:
Store the resulting alkali solution or solid alkali in a dry and secure container, away from moisture.
Please note that the purity and concentration of the alkali produced using this method may vary, and it’s essential to take safety precautions when handling caustic substances. Additionally, this process mainly produces potassium or sodium carbonate, which can be further processed to obtain more refined forms of lye or alkali, depending on your specific needs.