14A-52

P. E. TAVARES and R. H. Moretti. Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos, Unicamp, Campinas, 13084-000, Brazil

The objective of this research was the development of technology for the production of a decaffeinated raw coffee extract using activated carbon as absorbant. The process was carried out in columns filled with the activated carbon, the following commercially available types, all produced by Calgon Carbon Corporation, USA, being tested: CPG, CAL and APA. The raw coffee extracts were circulated through the columns at three different flow rates: 10, 30 and 60 ml/min, measuring the levels of caffeine extracted and the % retention of caffeine by the activated carbons. It was show that the percent decaffeination varied as a function of flow rate and type of carbon, with the percent caffeine extracted decreasing with increase in flow rate. The CAL type of activated carbon showed greater extraction efficiency as compared to the other two types at all flow rates, with the exception efficiency of 10 ml/min, at which the APA carbon showed a slightly higher yield. The CPG carbon was distinctly superior to the other two. Considering that the extraction rate at 10 ml/min was only slightly superior to that at 30 ml/min, but considerably superior to that at 60 ml/min, it was concluded that on an industrial scale, flow rate of 30 ml/min would be the most indicated. It was concluded that the best flow rate was 30 ml/min, the best activated carbon was the CAL type.