Research and improvement of the process of microwave extraction of licorice root

Licorice root extract is widely used in the food industry due to the content of a wide range of biologically active substances. Numerous studies devoted to the study of the extraction process in obtaining valuable components from raw materials of plant origin substantiate the prospects for using microwave radiation to intensify the extraction process. The purpose of the research is to analyze the physicochemical mechanism and evaluate the productivity of the microwave extraction of licorice root, to develop rational operating parameters and a machine-hardware scheme for microwave extraction. The object of the study is the roots of naked licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Analysis of production experience and a number of research papers on licorice root extraction showed that it is advisable to use prepared water as an extractant. The main results and information on the organization of preliminary studies of various options for licorice root extraction are presented, a rational method for licorice root extraction is determined - a microwave extraction method based on the percolation principle with constant mechanical mixing of the extraction mixture and circulation of the extractant, which allows achieving an equilibrium concentration of dry substances in the extract solution with a minimum duration of the process and relatively low specific energy costs. Taking into account the properties of the processed raw materials and recommendations for organizing the industrial process of extraction of plant materials, it is proposed to perform licorice root extraction in two stages, with the primary and secondary extractions being carried out under the same conditions and the same duration for rational design of production processes and ensuring a continuous process flow. The influence of the main parameters on mass exchange processes during microwave extraction is analyzed. Functional dependencies of the specific productivity of microwave extraction on the influencing parameters are established. The values of the operating parameters and the machine-hardware scheme for the practical implementation of microwave extraction of licorice root are given.