Cited by 101Essential Oils and Antimicrobial ActivityAgricultural and Biological ResearchPhase Equilibria and Thermodynamics

Optimization of essential oil extraction from orange peels using steam explosion

Open access
Golmohammadi, Mansour, Borghei, Alimohammad, Zenouzi, Ali, Ashrafi, Nariman, Taherzadeh, Mohammad J.·2018·Heliyon

Abstract

In this work, a new extraction process using steam explosion at high temperature and pressure was developed, to drastically shorten the extraction time and improved extraction of the essential oil from citrus peels. In steam explosion process, the material is subjected to the high-pressure saturated steam following by substantially dropping the pressure through an angle valve to a vacuum tank. The optimum essential oil yield by the steam explosion was obtained at the 170 °C, 8 bar in 240 seconds duration time. The essential oil extraction of a certain amount of citrus peels by hydro-distillation took nearly eight times longer than explosion extraction process. The obtained citrus oil from hydro-distillation processes had 10 to 13 major components more than‏ the steam explosion, as shown by gas chromatography (GC-MS). The maximum product yield of Limonene, a major favorable component, were 77% and 100% in hydro-distillation and steam explosion processes, respectively.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This study developed a steam explosion process to extract essential oil from Valencia orange peels and compared it with traditional hydro-distillation. Steam explosion shortened extraction time and produced an oil richer in limonene under optimized pressure/time conditions.

Key findings

  • The optimum steam explosion yield was reported as 1.34 ± 0.011 ml at 10 bar and 240 s; the abstract also states an optimum at 170 °C, 8 bar, and 240 s. Hydro-distillation yielded 1.2 ± 0.1 ml/g dry material (range 1.1 ± 0.1 to 1.30 ± 0.1) and took nearly eight times longer.
  • GC-MS showed hydro-distillation oil had 13 compounds, with limonene 77.39%, myrcene 6.08%, and linalool 5.13%; steam explosion oil had 10 compounds, with limonene 89.13%, myrcene 3.41%, and n-nonane 2.0%. The abstract states maximum limonene was 77% and 100% for hydro-distillation and steam explosion, respectively.
  • Pressure and time were significant variables (P < 0.05); the regression model had R = 0.821 and R² = 0.673. The paper reports pressure had about 70% effect on essential oil yield versus about 30% for temperature/time.
  • Higher treatment times slightly reduced yield, with values of 0.58–1.24 ± 0.011 ml at 480 s; the best steam explosion range was reported as 8–12 bar and 240–260 s.

Methods

  • Raw material: Citrus sinensis Osbeck CV. Valencia orange peels from Ramsar, cut into approximately 2 × 5 × 3 mm pieces, dried at 45 °C for 12 h to 40% moisture on dry basis; 100 g dried peel was used per treatment.
  • Hydro-distillation: 100 g dried peel immersed in 2 L distilled water for 4 h, with five repetitions. Steam explosion: pilot 2 L vessel with saturated steam at 3–15 bar, vacuum tank at −0.9 bar, treatment times 15–480 s, central composite design; extracted emulsion was distilled in a Clevenger apparatus for 30 min.
  • GC-MS used HP5MS and Stabilwax columns. Statistical analysis used IBM SPSS Statistics version 18.0, one-way ANOVA, Holm–Sidak multiple comparisons, and P ≤ 0.05.

Limitations

  • The paper states no explicit limitations section. It notes that hydro-distillation cannot control temperature and pressure, and that industrial-scale steam explosion tests could be realized for industry tests.
  • Evident from the text: reported optima and limonene values are inconsistent (8 bar vs 10 bar; 89.13% limonene in Table 3 vs 100% in the abstract/text), which complicates interpretation.
  • Evident from the text: the study is pilot-scale, includes missing treatment combinations (e.g., 12 bar at 480 s; 15 bar at 180, 240, and 480 s), and reports no energy or cost analysis.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00893

Cites

25 of 25 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

1 of 5 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Interpretationcitation

    The sharp yield drop at too low pressure is probably because volatile components and essential oils did not have enough time to cross the cell wall and mass transfer.

    “It is probably because volatile component and essential oils did not have enough time to cross the cell wall and mass transfer (Karakaya et al., 2014).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Karakaya et al., 2014 source

      The Essential oil yield section says extraction takes time and that microwave heating creates a high internal pressure gradient that ruptures cell walls, allowing oil extraction. The Composition section also says some constituents need more time to reach their maximum levels. Neither section attributes a sharp yield drop at low pressure to insufficient time for components to cross cell walls or undergo mass transfer. (LLM, conf=0.83)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingown data

    Pressure and extraction time were significant parameters affecting essential oil yield.

    “the impact of various parameters, such as pressure and extraction time at the extraction yield was investigated and the experimental outcomes display that all of these time, were significant parameters affecting yield.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Extraction yield was attenuated after a peak as a function of total time.

    “An extraction yield was attenuated after a peak as a function of the total time.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Steam explosion essential oil at 10 bar and 34 min had 10 compounds, accounting for 97.8% of the total essential oil.

    “In essential oil, the extraction of steam explosion (10 bars, 34 min) had 10 compounds, which accounts for 97.8% of the total essential oil, was identified.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Citrus oil obtained from hydro-distillation had 10 to 13 major components more than the steam explosion oil, as shown by GC-MS.

    “The obtained citrus oil from hydro-distillation processes had 10 to 13 major components more than‏ the steam explosion, as shown by gas chromatography (GC-MS).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 16
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 6
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The average yield of essential oil extracted by hydro-distillation was 1.2 ± 0.1 ml/g dry material, with a range of 1.1 ± 0.1 to 1.30 ± 0.1 ml/g dry material.

    “The average yield of the extracted essential oil turns out to be 1.2 ± 0.1 ml/g dry material (dm) and in range of 1.1 ± 0.1 ml/g (dm) to 1.30 ± 0.1.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Experimental results show that the sample burns at too high pressure and long time, while the yield of extracted oil dropped sharply at too low pressure.

    “On the other hand, experimental results show that the sample burns at too high pressure and long time (Fig. 7), while the yield of extracted oil dropped sharply at too low pressure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The main ingredients in hydro-distillation essential oil were limonene 77.39%, myrcene 6.08%, and linalool 5.13%, at retention times 16.75, 15.61, and 18.09 min, respectively.

    “The main ingredient in this essential oil was limonene 77.39%, myrcene 6.08%, and linalool 5.13 % in 16.75, 15.61 and 18.09 (min) in RT (Retention time) respectively (Table 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The best temperature and pressure range for the steam explosion process was 8-12 bar and 260-240 s, respectively.

    “The best temperature and pressure range for the steam explosion process was in the range of 8–12 bars and 260–240 s, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The steam explosion organic oil contains 94.49% hydrocarbon monoterpenes and 0.20% non-terpene compounds.

    “This organic oil contains 94.49% hydrocarbon monoterpenes and 0.20% non-terpene compounds such as aliphatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and esters.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In all hydro-distillation treatments, three separate intervals were observed: the extraction rate remained constant, then increased significantly, then became constant again.

    “In all the treatments, three separate intervals were observed. In the first interval, the extraction rate remained constant. In the next interval, this rate was increased significantly while it became constant in the third interval (Fig. 4).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The main ingredients in steam explosion monoterpenes were limonene 89.13%, myrcene 3.14%, and nonane 2.0%, at retention times 8.40, 7.28, and 4.85 min, respectively.

    “The main ingredients in monoterpene: Limonene 89.13%, Myrcene 3.14%, and Nonane 2.0% in 8.40, 7.28, and 4.85 (min) in RT (Retention time), respectively (Table 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The maximum product yield of limonene was 77% in hydro-distillation and 100% in steam explosion processes.

    “The maximum product yield of Limonene, a major favorable component, were 77% and 100% in hydro-distillation and steam explosion processes, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Hydro-distillation essential oil had 13 compounds, including 86.05% hydrocarbon monoterpenes and 0.2% non-terpene compounds.

    “As shown in Tables 2 and 3, in essential oil, extraction of hydro-distillation had 13 compounds, including 86.05% hydro-carbon monoeters and 0.2% non-terpene compounds such as aliphatic hydro-carbons, aldehydes, and esters.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In comparison with hydro-distillation, the steam explosion method increased yield and decreased extraction time.

    “Therefore, in comparison with the hydro-distillation method, the yield increased and the extraction time decreased (Fig. 7).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Linear interaction effects of pressure and essential oil yield, and time and essential oil, showed that the models were well adapted to the responses.

    “This is equally true with the linear interaction effects pressure and essential oil yield, time and essential oil which these results showed the models were well adapted to the responses.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    By adding a vacuum step, the efficient exchange surfaces achieve a higher rate than the flat surface.

    “By adding a vacuum step, the efficient exchange surfaces achieve a higher rate than the flat surface.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Decompression creates a larger temperature discrepancy between the two steps only before and after decompression.

    “Also, the decompression creates a larger temperature discrepancy between the two steps only before and after decompression.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Because temperature increases with increasing pressure, process time must be reduced to avoid burning the peels.

    “The temperature increased due to increasing pressure, the process time must reduce because peels are burned.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The rate of change of pore size is proportional to the pressure discrepancy between the inside of the pore and the external medium.

    “The rate of change of pore size is thus proportional to the pressure discrepancy between the inside of the pore and the external medium.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Penetration of solvent into tissue and the rate at which oil is removed from peel are solely dependent on heating time.

    “This means that the penetration of solvent in the tissue, the rate at which oil was removed from the peel is solely dependent on the heating time.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Limonene concentration in citrus essential oil differs between 30% and 99% depending on variety, with 30-40% in bergamot, 40-75% in lemon, and 68-98% in sweet orange.

    “Its concentration in the oil differ between 30% and 99%, be depending on the variety: 30–40% in bergamot, 40–75% in lemon and 68–98% in sweet orange (Moufida and Marzouk, 2003).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Moufida and Marzouk, 2003 source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The steam explosion method has full control over extraction parameters and makes the extraction process more uniform.

    “This method has full control over the extraction parameters and extraction process has been made more uniform.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The pressure difference is the dynamic force in the change in pore size with time.

    “Indeed, the pressure difference is the dynamic force in the change in the pore size with time.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Pre-treatment by steam explosion can improve extraction yields and kinetics.

    “Pre-treatment by the steam explosion can improve extraction yields and kinetics.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Steam explosion opens up biomass fibers and enhances recovery of useful compounds from plants.
    • Rests on an assumption: Steam explosion pretreatment opens up essential oil pores and disrupts cell walls of plant organs, making them more accessible for subsequent processes.
20 of 20
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Steam explosion opens up biomass fibers and enhances recovery of useful compounds from plants.

    “Steam explosion is a valuable and important technology to open up the biomass fibers, to enhance the healing of waste and different useful compounds from plants.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Steam explosion pretreatment opens up essential oil pores and disrupts cell walls of plant organs, making them more accessible for subsequent processes.

    “Steam explosion is a pretreatment process that opens up the essential oil pores, and abrupt the cell walls of plant organs more accessible for subsequent processes, i.e. extraction, fermentation, hydrolysis or densification processes, densification processes.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The natural organization of some plants such as citrus peels prevents an easy essential oil extraction.

    “It is significant to note that the natural organization of some plants such as citrus peels prevents an easy essential oil extraction.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The amount of essential oil extracted from peels by distillation is highly dependent on the temperature and corresponding pressure of extraction.

    “On the other hand, the amount of distillation of the essential oil extracted from the peels is highly dependent on the temperature and corresponding pressure of extraction.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The fast transition from high steam pressure to vacuum induces quick evaporation of water and unstable compounds.

    “This process subjects the product to fast transition from high steam pressure to hoover. This transition induces a quick evaporation of water and unstable compounds.”
5 of 5

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • R2 does not support the stated explained variability

    Major

    The results claim that the model explains more than 95% of overall variability, but the same passage reports R2 = 0.673, corresponding to about 67.3%.

  • Steam-explosion myrcene concentration differs from Table 3

    Minor

    The discussion gives myrcene as 3.14%, but the corresponding Table 3 entry is 3.41%.

  • Abstract gives a different optimum pressure

    Minor

    The abstract identifies 8 bar at 240 seconds as optimal, but Table 1 reports 1.12 ml at those settings. The highest yield in the table is 1.34 ml at 10 bar and 240 seconds, which the results section also calls the optimum.

  • Reported 480-second yield range excludes a table entry

    Minor

    The results give an upper end of 1.24 ml for yields at 480 seconds, but Table 1 reports 1.28 ml at 8 bar and 480 seconds.

  • Steam-explosion limonene is called 100% despite the reported composition

    Minor

    The results state that limonene makes up 100% of the steam-explosion oil, while Table 3 reports 89.13% and lists nine other compounds.

5 of 5

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Authors
Golmohammadi, M., Borghei, A., Zenouzi, A., Ashrafi, N., & Taherzadeh, M. J.
Affiliations
  • Islamic Azad University, Tehran (IR)
  • Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IR)
  • University of Borås (SE)
Corresponding author
Borghei, Alimohammad
Venue
Heliyon
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2018-11
Volume
4
Issue
11
Pages
e00893
ISSN
2405-8440 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2900029349
Cited by
101
References
25
Citations by year
2026: 14 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 21 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 2
FWCI
6.80
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Heliyon (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Citrus and Subtropical Fruits Research Center
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Agricultural and Biological Research
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Phase Equilibria and Thermodynamics
Keywords
essential oil extraction, orange peel, citrus peel, steam explosion, hydrodistillation, limonene, extraction optimization, extraction time reduction

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