Experimental Study on Sustainable Lemongrass Oil Extraction and Byproduct Utilization

Abstract

Lemongrass oil extraction is a widely recognized process with applications in healthcare, fragrance, and household industries. This study presents an experimental investigation into the efficiency of eco-friendly lemongrass oil extraction using wood and lemongrass pulp waste as the primary power sources. The process parameters were analyzed, including an input of 500 kg of lemongrass, cycle duration of 3 hours, and a daily operation of 12 hours with four processing cycles, yielding an average output of 12 liters per day. The byproducts, such as spent lemongrass pulp, were effectively reused for vermicomposting and combustion, enhancing process sustainability. Essential equipment, including storage tanks, a boiler, a condenser, and an oil collector, was utilized to optimize extraction efficiency. A manpower requirement of three workers per shift, with an approximate wage of Rs.400 per person, was also documented. The findings highlight the economic viability and sustainability of the process, making it suitable for industrial applications. This study provides valuable insights into waste management, resource optimization, and process improvement for large-scale lemongrass oil extraction.

Keywords: Lemongrass oil extraction, sustainable processing, by product utilization, experimental investigation, eco-friendly techniques.