Viabilidade técnica de uma nova metodologia para o processo de extração de taninos condensados

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate a new method for extracting condensed tannins from tree bark, with the goal of reducing energy consumption, time, and increasing productivity. Bark from Anadenanthera colubrina was collected at the Agricultural School of Jundiaí, Macaíba – RN. The bark was dried, ground, and sieved. Extraction was carried out using a mechanical agitator (Jar test type) at speeds of 100, 300, and 500 rpm, and compared to the traditional boiling under reflux method. The analyzed parameters were the total condensed tannin content (TTC), total solid content (TST), and Stiasny index, in addition to energy consumption using a wattmeter, and time and motion studies. The treatment at 100 rpm (T1) showed the lowest TTC (10%), significantly lower than the traditional control (T0). The treatments at 300 rpm (T2) and 500 rpm (T3) did not show significant differences compared to the control, with TTCs of 12.37% and 11.83%, respectively, versus 14.50% in the control. The T2 treatment stood out with the best results in TST, similar TTC to the traditional method, but excelled in energy efficiency. The jar test method consumed 0.6 kWh, five times less than the heating mantle, and reduced the extraction time by 46 minutes. Mechanical agitation proved to be an efficient alternative, maintaining the quality of the extracts with lower energy consumption and extraction time. Therefore, this methodology offers a promising solution to reduce costs and time, in addition to increasing the production of condensed tannins.