Department of Chemical Engineering

UNIT PROCESSES OPEN ENDED LAB

PROPOSAL
Decaffeination of Coffee
Method: Solvent Base (Methylene Chloride/Ethyl Acetate)

Submitted To: Dr. Hirra Anjum

Submitted By:
H.M IBRAHIM (2021-CH-76)
ALI NAWAZ (2021-CH-60)
USMAN YOUSAF (2021-CH-62)
MUHAMMAD WASIF (2021-CH-78)
MUHAMMAD KHURRAM (2021-CH-80)

University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore

 Department of Chemical Engineering

Project Proposal: Solvent-Based Decaffeination of Coffee

Project Summary:

Objective:
We are excited to present a project proposal focused on decaffeinating coffee. Many coffee
lovers want the taste of coffee without the caffeine, The primary objective of this project is to
investigate and implement the solvent-based decaffeination process for coffee beans. The goal is
to produce high-quality decaffeinated coffee while ensuring the safety and environmental
sustainability of the process.
Scope:
This project will cover the entire decaffeination process, from selecting green coffee beans to
decaffeinated coffee beans. It will involve both laboratory research and practical implementation.

Project Description:

Background:
Caffeine is a natural compound found in coffee beans that contributes to its stimulating
effects. However, there is a demand for decaffeinated coffee due to health considerations
and personal preferences. The solvent-based decaffeination method is one of the widely
used techniques to reduce caffeine content in coffee beans while preserving their flavor
and aroma.

1. Methodology:
Green Coffee Bean Selection: High-quality green coffee beans will be chosen for the
decaffeination process. Brand name Roastster, Nature Well, Strong Organic Super Food.

2. Soaking and Extraction:

The selected beans will be soaked in hot water or steam, followed by extraction using a
suitable solvent (e.g., methylene chloride or ethyl acetate) to dissolve the caffeine.

University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore

 Department of Chemical Engineering

3. Resting:
The beans will be allowed to rest to ensure complete caffeine extraction.

4. Solvent Recovery:
The solvent, which now contains caffeine, will be processed to separate caffeine from the
solvent, and the recovered solvent will be prepared for reuse. Solvent and Caffeine
separate by following steps.

 Evaporation:
The first step is to evaporate the solvent from the caffeine-solvent mixture. This can be
achieved by applying heat to the mixture, causing the solvent to turn into vapor and
leaving behind the caffeine.

 Condensation:
The vaporized solvent is then condensed back into a liquid form. This is usually done by
cooling the vapor, causing it to condense into a separate container.

 Separation:
The condensed solvent is collected, leaving behind the caffeine in a solid form.

5. Drying and Roasting:

The decaffeinated beans will be dried to remove solvent residues and then roasted to
develop the desired flavor.

Environmental Considerations:
Efforts will be made to minimize environmental impact, such as proper disposal of waste,
solvent recycling, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Budget:
This section will outline the estimated budget required for equipment, materials, and research
activities.

University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore

 Department of Chemical Engineering

Timeline:
A detailed project schedule will be created, including milestones, research phases, and
implementation steps.
We plan to complete this project within 2 months, and here's a rough timeline:
 Week 1-2: Research and planning.
 Week 3-4: Testing and quality Assessments.
 Week 5: Environmental and Economic Analysis.
 Week 6: Data Analysis.
 Week 7-8: Report writing and recommendations.

6. Risks and Mitigation:

Identify potential risks associated with the project, such as regulatory challenges,
equipment failures, or changes in solvent availability. Outline strategies for risk
mitigation.
Conclusion:
This project proposal aims to explore the solvent-based decaffeination process for coffee and
produce a detailed plan for its implementation. The successful execution of this project will
contribute to meeting the demand for high-quality decaffeinated coffee while ensuring the safety
and sustainability of the process.
Appendices:
Include any additional documents or references that support the proposal, such as research
papers, regulatory guidelines, or project team qualifications.

University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore