CLOSED PRODUCTION FOR WET PROCESSING OF ARABICA COFFEE

Abstract

The wet processing of Arabica coffee consumes energy and water, and generate large amounts of by-products. These by-products contain organic materials that cause environmental pollution and degradation. Some of the by-products are energy containingcompounds that can be used to supply energy needs in the production process. This study aims to develop a closed model of energy-independent Arabica coffee production. The model was developed based on mass flows in the coffee production process.One mass balance equation can be made for each stage of the process. The model showed that the optimal yield of green coffeebean production was 28%. Coffee production of a capacity of 5,500 kg of cherries per day has energy potential of by-products of 6,161,286 kcal originating from the outer skin, pulp and parchment. Energy conversion using boiler can meet production energy needs of 117.20 kWh per day. This study concluded that Arabica coffee wet processing can be developed as an energy independent production by optimally utilising of by-products.