Experimental investigation on the carob extraction using arrhenius approach and response surface

Environmental problems have increased the need for sustainable agricultural practices that conserve water and energy. Carob, an eco-friendly crop with multiple health benefits, holds the potential for economic evaluation. This study investigates the carob molasses extraction process, focusing on the influence of temperature and water quantity on the diffusion coefficient. The rheological behavior of carob molasses was analyzed experimentally, and a model was developed to optimize energy consumption during the extraction process. The impact of temperature on the mass transfer coefficient was examined using the Arrhenius approach, with the extraction conducted at a maximum of 50 °C to prevent caramelization. The activation energy for carob extraction was determined to be 5.475 kJ/mol, and a new equation is proposed for estimating the mass transfer coefficient.