A Response Surface Optimization of Blue Rose Sachet Water Production

Response surface methodology (RSM) is a technique already in extensive use for analyzing
and optimizing processes in research and industrial areas. Varieties of definitions have been
used to describe it, all of which conveys the same idea. It is a sequential procedure which
begins with the fitting of a first order model using least squares technique to model the
response surface when the location of the operating condition on the response surface is
not close to the optimum. The process continues with several steps along the PSA until the
test for inadequacy of the first order model proves positive. This indicates the presence of
curvature. Thus, a second order model is fitted to account for this curvature. Following this
is an analysis to locate as well as characterize the optimum. In this research project we have
used RSM for locating the optimum operating condition of the Blue Rose Sachet water.
This research project has analyzed pilot laboratory data that were obtained on factors like
– temperature, sieve diameter, and the amount of chlorine, in relation to the percentage
purity (response). The results of the analysis have produced a stable and theoretically
optimal operating condition about which the process engineer could adjust his process to
obtain a more realistic percentage purity. Also, a canonical equation, with which a
characterization of the obtained optimal operating condition can be done, has been
suggested in this study