Diseño y montaje de una planta piloto para la extracción de quitina y proteínas

The aim of this project was the design and set up of a pilot plant for chitin and proteins chemical recovery from shrimp shells and squat lobsters. The moisture content of the material and optimal experimental conditions of volume and concentration of the process reagents were determined. Additionally, a technical and economical analysis of production process was performed. The results showed that the raw material has high moisture content, between 68-80% wet basis, and the experimental conditions for chitin extraction depend strongly on the material characteristics. Under these conditions, recuperation of 98% for shrimp shells and approximately of 58% for squad lobster was obtained. On the other hand, the proteins recovery showed that the largest production occurs at pH 4.0 and using solutions from deproteination step without grinding of raw material. The technical study provided basic information about set up costs and operating process investment, and data about facilities and equipments related to productive process. The assessment revealed that an initial investment of US $ 10,520.94 for pilot plant set up and US $ 4,852.58 for transport and operating costs for six months must be done. Keywords: chemical method; chitin; pilot plant; proteins; shrimp shell; squat lobster.DOI: 10.5377/nexo.v22i2.42Nexo: Revista Cientifica Vol. 22, No. 02, pp.45-55/Diciembre 2009