Innovation in a Continuous System of Distillation by Steam to Obtain Essential Oil from Persian Lime Juice (Citrus latifolia Tanaka)

Abstract

The citrus industry is one of the most important economic areas within the global agricultural sector. Persian lime is commonly used to produce lime juice and essential oil, which are usually obtained by batch distillation. The aim of this work was to validate a patented continuous steam distillation process and to both physically and chemically characterize the volatile fractions of essential Persian lime oil. Prior to distillation, lime juice was obtained by pressing the lime fruit. Afterwards, the juice was subjected to a continuous steam distillation process by varying the ratio of distillate flow to feed flow (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6). The distillate oil fractions were characterized by measuring their density, optical rotation, and refractive index. Gas chromatography GC-FID was used to analyze the chemical compositions of the oil fractions. The process of continuous steam distillation presented high oil recovery efficiencies (up to 90%) and lower steam consumption compared to traditional batch process distillation since steam consumption ranged from 32 to 60% for different steam levels. Moreover, a reduction in process time was observed (from 8 to 4 h). The oil fractions obtained via continuous steam distillation differed significantly in their composition from the parent compounds and the fractions.

Antidepressant-like Activity of Patchouli Oil var. Tapak Tuan (Pogostemon cablin Benth) via Elevated Dopamine Level: A Study Using Rat Model

“…The emergence of new compounds or their loss could be attributed to the change of concentration, concomitant to the distillation-based purification. Secondary transformation, which took place during the distillation process, could also be responsible for the different chemical profiles in each sample [ 29 ]. To better observe the results of the GC-MS analysis, we have presented the chromatogram of iPO, POF-1, POF-2, POF-3, and pPA in Figure 1 .…”

Solar energy‐based extraction of essential oils from cloves, cinnamon, orange, lemon, eucalyptus, and cardamom: A clean energy technology for green extraction

“…The density values of eucalyptus and cardamom were about 0.9 g/mL. Similarly, Padilla‐de la Rosa et al (2021) stated that the density of cardamom was about 0.9 g/mL.…”

The technology life cycle of Persian lime. A patent based analysis

“…Alternative quality-focused approaches have similarly been proposed, such as applying genetic research to promote vegetative development and production [ 40 ], quality on certain value phases such as postharvest [ 41 ], and on vegetative growth and mineral elements’ content [ 42 ]. On the other hand, studies are centered on processes, treatments, or methods [ 43 ] with the purpose of increasing commercialization, such as cutting treatments [ 44 ], chemical management in dry seasons [ 32 ], detection of juice adulteration [ 45 ], oil extraction methods including coldpressing, solvent extraction, enzyme—assisted aqueous extraction [ 46 ], and even innovative extraction methods such a as steam distillation [ 47 ]. Furthermore, there are studies interested on how these treatments or approaches affect physical properties of the Persian Lime [ 48 , 49 ].…”

“…Then, the research aim is to increase production in orchards by modeling application scenarios for agricultural practices. The second study looks for a validation of a technological innovation represented by a patented continuous steam distillation process and to both physically and chemically characterize the volatile fractions of essential Persian lime oil [ 1 ].…”

“…The citrus agro-industry is one of the most significant sectors within the global agricultural economy [ 1 ]. It is associated with juice and essential oil production [ 2 , 3 ].…”