Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
6-30-1962
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Chemical Engineering
First Advisor
George C. Keeffe
Second Advisor
Joseph Joffe
Third Advisor
Saul I. Kreps
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to study the separation of the fatty acids and waxes found in cranberry skins by means of the formation of urea adducts. Current literature does not indicate equilibrium and rate data as controlled by mixing energy for the separation. Therefore this rate data was determined for the adduct formation of oleic acid, one of the constituents of cranberry skins.
A saturated aqueous solution of urea was used in the preparation of the urea adduct of oleic acid. Methyl isobutyl ketone and methanol were investigated as solvents for the fatty acids. Methyl isobutyl ketone was found to be a better solvent for the fatty acids and its emulsion forming tendencies were not objectionable with close control of pH. Benzene was chosen as the wash liquor as it caused minimal dissociation of the urea adduct.
The two variables explored in detail were reaction time and mixing. All other variables - ratio of solvent to fatty acid, amount of wash liquor used, pH of aqueous urea solution, and all details of experimental technique - were held constant. Over forty data points were collected and plotted as per cent yield of extract from the urea adduct versus reaction time with parameters of revolutions per minute. An exponential equation was devised to predict per cent yield of extract from the urea adduct as a function of reaction time and mixing. The function of the exponential as a first order polynomial equation was determined by the method of Least Squares.
To assist in further experimental work on urea adduction of fatty acids, the solubility of stearic acid in methyl isobutyl ketone was determined.
Recommended Citation
Dahm, Leroy A., "Urea adduction of oleic acid" (1962). Theses. 2891.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/2891
