Optimization of experimental planning in processing plant raw materials

Experimental design methods used in research can help reduce the number of laboratory experiments performed and significantly speed up the achievement of the desired result. The purpose of this study is to optimize the planning of processing plant raw materials - apple pomace to achieve the highest yield of the final product - pectin. Research objectives are to determine the chemical composition of apple pomace, the content and fractional composition of pectin substances; selection of optimal parameters for processing plant materials with an enzyme preparation. As objects of research, we used dried apple pomace of a mixture of apple varieties, zoned in the Krasnodar Region. When determining the fractional composition of pectin substances, a high content of the insoluble fraction, protopectin, is established, for the extraction of which in modern technologies solutions of inorganic acids are used. The proposed technology will make it possible to use more gentle methods of influencing plant raw materials without reducing the efficiency of the technological process. The calculation of the optimal processing conditions was carried out on the basis of the obtained experimental data using the least squares method and the subsequent solution of algebraic linear equations. As a result of the carried out mathematical processing, a ratio was obtained for the mass fraction of pectin, depending on the processing time, processing temperature and concentration of the enzyme preparation. On the basis of the obtained mathematical model of the process, the optimal values of the processing time, processing temperature and concentration of the enzyme preparation were determined. The maximum value of the mass fraction of pectin, corresponding to the experimental value with an error of less than 1 %, was determined. At the same time, the yield of pectin substances from apple pomace increases to 85 %, which increases the efficiency and economy of the process.