Umesh Kumar PK and Khan Chand
In this study, the response surface method and experimental design were applied for optimization of independent variables for clarification of sugarcane juice. A central composite design, with 6 axial points, 8 factorial points and 6 replicates at the centre point were used to build a model for predicting and optimizing clarification process parameters. The independent parameters viz Temperature (73.59, 77, 82, 87 and 90.41°C), Activated charcoal thickness (0.83, 1.0, and 1.25, 1.5 and 1.67 mm) and deola (0.063, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.74 g/l) were selected and analyzed. Statistical checks (ANOVA table, R2 value, model lack of fit test and F-value) indicating that the model was adequate for representing the experimental data. The dependent parameters measured were viscosity, °Brix, and total solids values. Optimum values of process parameters obtained by using simultaneous optimization of dependent parameters were: 77.55°C temperature, 1.5 mm activated charcoal thickness and 0.48 g/lit deola.