Why citrus oil dewaxing matters
Most citrus essential oils are extracted by cold pressing citrus rinds. During extraction, naturally occurring waxes from the peel can dissolve into the oil and later precipitate, creating cloudiness in the final product.
Processors use several methods to separate wax solids, including centrifugation, tank settling, diatomaceous earth filtration and depth filtration with cartridges, lenticular filters or filter sheets. When the selected method does not provide the required final product quality, oils may need multiple filtration passes. Low flow rates, large installations and rapidly plugging downstream filters can also increase processing time, labor and disposable filter use.
How are waxes removed from citrus oil?
Naturally occurring waxes from citrus peel can dissolve into the oil during extraction and later precipitate, creating cloudiness in the final product. Removing these waxes, or dewaxing the oil, helps maintain the desired clarity. Waxes can be separated from citrus oil using methods such as centrifugation, tank settling, diatomaceous earth filtration or depth filtration with cartridges, lenticular filters or filter sheets.
Filtration solutions for citrus oil wax separation
Pall offers SUPRApak™ depth filter modules for citrus oil dewaxing and lipid removal. The enclosed module design supports a compact filtration approach and provides product pathways for standard, ion-sensitive and high-quality applications.
SUPRApak Plus modules
SUPRApak Plus is the second generation of the SUPRApak filter series. Advanced sealing technology separates unfiltered and filtered flow channels while higher mechanical stability supports process safety. High dirt-holding capacity can extend processing time between filter changes, which may reduce operating expense and improve filter-line availability.
SUPRApak PW modules
After the initial separation or coalescing step, residual traces of water may remain in the oil-based flavor. Adsorption provides a further filtration step, using cellulose-based filter media to remove this remaining water from the oil.
Pall ZD filtration solutions use this adsorption approach and are available in different formats, allowing the filtration step to be matched to different process requirements. These include SUPRApak™ ZD Series modules, SUPRAdisc™ II ZD modules and Seitz® ZD filter sheets.
Additional SUPRApak media options
SUPRApak PH modules are intended for ion-sensitive processes where preventing crystal precipitation in the filtrate is important. SUPRApak PZ modules use 100% pure cellulose sheet media for applications that require the lowest possible impact on high-quality products. The SUPRApak range provides additional options for different citrus oil processing requirements, with an integrated filtration approach designed to support higher flow capacity and throughput while helping reduce process time compared with depth filter cartridges.
Potential process benefits
- Reduced process time compared with depth filter cartridges
- A single SUPRApak filter housing for an integrated filtration approach
- Higher flow capacity and throughput enabled by the edge-flow configuration
Explore citrus oil filtration in more detail
Learn more about citrus oil processing methods, filtration challenges and Pall filtration technology in our citrus oil de-waxing application bulletin. For help identifying an appropriate filtration approach for your oil, wax load, target clarity and process conditions, contact a Pall specialist.
Explore other flavor filtration applications
Wax and lipid removal may be one step in a broader flavor filtration process. Continue to the application pages below to explore filtration approaches for particles, colloidal haze, water and microbiological contaminants during flavor production.
Particle removal
Remove unwanted particles that can affect clarity, stability and equipment performance. Explore filtration solutions that support cleaner, clearer flavors from the first stage of production.
Colloidal haze removal
Colloidal haze can affect product appearance and consumer appeal. Explore filtration solutions designed to support clear flavor products.
Removal of water from oil-based flavors
Water in oil-based flavors can contribute to instability and microbial growth. Explore solutions for separating water efficiently to help maintain product integrity.
Removal of microbiological contaminants
Microbiological contaminants can affect safety and shelf life. Explore filtration solutions for microbiological control in flavor production.
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