Presents alternative technique to extract UAdeC cerote using a biodegradable organic extractant.
CUATROCIÉNEGAS, COAH,SEPT. 29, 2011.-As part of ongoing research to find alternative methods in the extraction process candelilla wax, the Forestry Commission and the National Autonomous University of Coahuila demonstrated to producers and marketers of citric acid qualities to consider integrating the same with the usual procedure.
On behalf of Dr. Cristobal Aguilar demonstration, held at the CBTA 22 of this city, was led by MC. Romeo Rojas Molina, with support from M.C. Emilio Ochoa Reyes, who provided details of the process to produce and market the product, including Multiceras.
“Design of a high-performance process in candelilla wax extraction of high quality and design of end-use products from the wax prepared” is the name assigned to the project, which allowed us to evaluate different agents as alternative biodegradable extractors sulfuric acid substitution.
Maya Pedro Guzman, CONAFOR representative, said during his opening contemplate the high expectations for the new process to which he referred as “the opportunity to offer cerote producers have a more complete and add value to final product. “
After a series of technical presentations generally gave way to the open field demonstration project where Romeo Rojas Molina 91,633, according to their experience, said obtaining low quality wax and impurities with high acid resulting from the application sulfuric.
The proposal supported by Rojas Molina was basically removing the grass roots extracted and use a stainless steel autoclave (50 lt.) “Jacketed” (hermetically sealed with a neoprene gasket), heated by special burner LP gas, the which was added 0.15% citric acid and is part of the patent registration MX/a/2010/002764 the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) and was presented by the research group of UAdeC candelilla.
Also presented in detail the construction and functionality of the equipment designed by the same research group which has already been subject to the ruling of registro as utility model with IMPI MX/u/2011/000553 expedient number. It was reported that the team has a cost of 120 thousand dollars for their quality and safety features, plus you get the same 58 percent energy savings.
He considered that the appearance cost / benefit to replace conventional pans (300 lts.) By the new implement will depend on the fact that producers are willing to acquire this new technology (marketing).
Responding to questions from the audience about the process, the researcher explained that because they were in at the laboratory stage, would take into account the suggestions for assessment to pilot and field level that reveal and apply any necessary adjustments to the project.
Regarding the advantages of citric acid against sulfuric Molina Rojas explained that the first is a weak organic acid, but coupled with the autoclave, can provide up to 4 percent return in the process of getting wax.
Currently, the cost of a commercial citric acid is $ 2.5 USD / Kg. Approximately using an addition of 0.05 percent. The cost of sulfuric acid is currently $ 3.00 pesos / kg, using a 0.66% approximately.
Finally, and based on feedback from participants, mainly cerote producers of this region of the container extracted product has the characteristics of material obtained using water or a small amount of sulfuric acid.
In conclusion, although the results of the substitution of the agent are encouraging and satisfactory, extractor equipment requires further evaluation to be released to the field. Although results have been obtained in laboratory, pilot level the results are a lot of expectations to fulfill and coupled with the escalation of the teams that has not yet begun. We believe that failure to close the gap between the theoretical and the laboratory that is the reality we live day to day candelilleros.
The Candelilla Institute maintains its interest in this and other studies to find more safe and profitable for the chain of Candelilla wax, especially for our producers.