The Extraction of Orange Oil with Volatile Solvents

Citation

Baier, Willard Ewing (1923) The Extraction of Orange Oil with Volatile Solvents. Bachelor's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/YTJZ-YV74. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-02082005-155830

Abstract

Citrus oils are used largely by confectioners, bakers, and manufacturers of soft drinks for flavoring. In 1916, 98% of the citrus oils used in this country were imported. The relatively small amount of oils produced here are obtained from the cull fruit by two general methods, the expression or pressure method and by some form of the distillation method, either vacuum distillation of the dry peel or steam distillation under various pressures. The expression method gives a much superior oil as compared with the oil obtained by distillation. However the expression method has the disadvantage that a considerable amount of oil is left in the pulp after the squeezing process. In the plant of the Exchange Orange Products Co. at San Dimas, California, where orange oil is produced, this remaining oil is recovered in a less valuable form by a subsequent steam distillation.

The object of this investigation was to study the method of solvent extraction as a possible means of obtaining all of the oil in a good condition. A satisfactory solvent was to be found and its use studied as extensively as time permitted.

Thesis Files