Optimization of Process Conditions for the Concentration of Isopropyl Alcohol - Water Solution Using Response Surface Methodology

Potato starch was used as an adsorbent in concentrating isopropyl alcohol – water solution. Response surface methodology statistical technique was used to optimize the reaction conditions which were; temperature, time, adsorbent/ solution ratio and the initial concentration of the isopropyl alcohol – water solution, with the final concentration of the isopropyl alcohol water solution as the response. Based on the sequential model sum of squares, a quadratic vs 2F1 model was developed. The significant factors on the experimental design response were identified from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimal conditions obtained for the concentration reactions were temperature of 35 o C, time of 40mins, adsorbent/solution ratio of 1:4 and initial concentration of 40% which resulted in final concentration of 43.369%.