ABSTRACT
Objective: The continuous foam separation was adopted to optimize the process conditions for separation of tatal saponins in Sapindus mukorossi. Methods: Orthogonal test and spectrophotometry were employed to determine the optimum conditions of foam separation using the enrichment ratio, yield, and purity of total saponins in S. mukorossi as evaluating indexes. Results: The best condition of the process was as follows: gas flow rate of 0.6 L/min, feed height of 40 cm, liquid flow rate of 35 mL/min with initial feed total saponins in S. mukorossi at concentration of 20 mg/L with pH 4.40. Conclusion: The yield and purity of the isolated total saponins in S. mukorossi were 23.64% and 90.27%, respectively. The continuous foam separation could conduct in relatively simple equipment, low energy consuming and provide the possibility to future industrial applications.