Biomass Simulation: Orange and Eucalyptus Waste as a Source of Essential Oils Using Solar Energy

Orange processing and wood production industries generate wastes in the form of orange peel and eucalyptus leaves. These residues can be valorized as feedstocks to produce essential oils. Therefore, a simultaneous orange peel and eucalyptus leaves essential oil extraction process integrating solar energy was simulated. Biomass and essential oils were simulated by using equivalence models. The coupling of solar collectors allowed the extraction of eucalyptus essential oil, with a saving of 10 % in the total energy load.

Automated summary

Orange peel and eucalyptus leaves waste from orange processing and wood production can be used as feedstocks for essential oil production. A simulation of a solar energy-integrated process for extracting essential oils from orange peel and eucalyptus leaves was conducted. Equivalence models were used to simulate biomass and essential oils. The coupling of solar collectors allowed for the extraction of eucalyptus essential oil with a 10% reduction in total energy load.