Pectin production from tomato seeds by environment-friendly extraction: Simulation and discussion

The aim of this work is to model the extraction of pectin from tomato peels using different acids that could be more environmentally friendly. The AspenPlus® software is used to this end. Several cases, such as considering different extracting acids, the recycle of water and washing solvent streams are evaluated and compared. Tomato peels seasonally generated by factories in a local district, were considered as raw materials, as well as methanol and catalyst. Based on literature data and using Excel® worksheet, the mass and energy balances were set up for the extraction reactor and, hence, a pectin extraction yields up to 25 % and 17 %, for two different scenarios, was determined, while the washing and purification stages were simulated and optimized in AspenPlus®. The distillation tower for solvent recover was designed. The economic potential of these cases was calculated by considering utilities cost, product and by-product sales, wastewater treatment as well as raw material costs. Results show that tomato peels can be a feasible alternative for pectin production. Moreover, this work could be a basis for the development and design of a multi-product biorefinery based on tomato by-products produced by cannery industries in the frame of a circular economy approach.