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PEF (pulsed electric field) treatment in olive oil production

Very little has changed in industrial olive oil production over the last two decades. Innovation and technological development are needed for the olive oil industry to prosper. oliveCEPT is an application based on PEF technology to help olive oil producers with production yields, costs, sensory features, waste reduction, health concerns, and nutritional characteristics.

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What is PEF (Pulsed Electric Field)?

Pulsed electric field (PEF) is a sustainable and eco-friendly method. It reduces organic waste, extends shelf-life, and enhances and preserves the quality of the product in question, like olive oil.

 

The basic principle of the technology is the application of short square wave pulses of high voltage that generate very high electric fields. Due to the short pulses of microsecond magnitude, excessive heating, and undesirable electrolytic reactions are minimized.

 

As a result, this causes the cell membranes to become permeable, leading to the inactivation of the microorganisms or enzymes. 

Scientific Research on PEF treatment in the olive oil extraction process

During the 2022-2023 season, OptiCept Technologies has worked with the Spanish research institute IFAPA to analyze the effect of the CEPT technology. The results confirm the good effects of the treatment on olive oil extraction. 

 

Two main varieties of olives have been tested during these trials; Arbequina and Picual, with good results for both varieties. Both improved process efficiency and significantly increased extraction could be demonstrated for both olive varieties

 

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Several studies have been carried out to confirm the effects of pulsed electric field treatment for olive oil production. In 2020, researchers at the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science at the University of Perugia, Italy, carried out a study with the aim “to evaluate the ability of pulsed electric field (PEF) technology to improve the extractability and enhance the oil quality in an industrial olive oil extraction process”.

 

The study concluded numerous advantages of the treatment: “the PEF device has proved to be very efficient on olive pastes and significantly increased the quantity of oil extracted compared to the control”

Olive paste is pumped through a treatment chamber were the pulsed electric fields are applied disrupting the cell membranes.

Another more recent study aimed to: “investigate how the treatment of olive paste of the Picholine variety with pulsed electric fields (PEF) under real operating conditions in a large-scale olive oil extraction plant affects the extractability, chemical composition and sensory profile of the oils”.

 

Moreover, the study also concluded many positive effects of using PEF in olive oil production:

 

“The results underlined the potential of PEF technology to improve the recovery of bioactive compounds. This technology can be used as a pretreatment for conventional extraction processes and is applicable on an industrial scale”.

 

and

 

“The increasing extraction capability of the process justifies the energy requirement of this technology as a new method for recovering oil in the olive paste matrix with positive effects on the quality of the final products”.

The effects of PEF in olive oil production

The effects of PEF on olive oil include:

 

  • Increased yield: by breaking down the cell walls of the olives, making it easier to extract the oil.

 

  • Improved quality: improve the quality of olive oil by increasing nutrient content such as the number of polyphenols

 

  • Increased stability: by reducing the amount of free fatty acids, can cause the oil to go rancid over time.

 

  • Increased shelf life: by reducing the number of microorganisms, which can cause the oil to spoil.

 

  • Reduced energy consumption: PEF treatment requires less energy compared to traditional thermal methods, this can result in cost savings for the producer.

 

There are several factors that can determine the impact of Pulsed Electric fields (PEF). Olives are biological materials and qualities such as moisture and ripeness are factors to include in the equation. It is important to note that the optimal PEF treatment conditions will vary depending on the specific olive oil production process and the desired outcomes for the oil.

 

Therefore it is important to do an assessment of each site.

How is PEF technology applied?

oliveCEPT PEF Application installed in olive oil production line

It is recommended to place the OptiCEPT PEF treatment system after the crusher and before the malaxation stage for maximum effect and full benefit. Currently, two models tailored for production lines with capacities from 0,5 – 10 t/h are available.

 

 

 

The system consists of a PEF generator and a treatment chamber. The connection to the OptiCEPT® system is done via stainless steel, food-grade fittings. 

Confirmed results in olive oil production

The pursuit of high profits and productive yields can lead to the use of more intense malaxation conditions, negatively impacting the nutritional and sensory qualities of the final product.

 

The OptiCEPT application has been evaluated in multiple locations with great results. For example, a performance evaluation of the results at Greek producer One & Olive based on samples collected during 4 weeks of continuous production in 2020 – 2021 concluded that malaxation time can be reduced substantially from 45 minutes of the control set down to 5 minutes without affecting the oil yield of the extraction process negatively.

 

That is to say that quality vs quantity is not a dilemma anymore.

 

One & Olive is not the only producer achieving this type of success. Rather it is a confirmation of earlier results during OptiCEPT® evaluation at the mills of Agioi Apostoloi and La Balméenne where extraction volume yield was increased even with the malaxing time of 25 minutes.

 

In Morocco, at Atlas Olive Oils, yield is increased and malaxation time reduced.

 

The French renowned olive oil producer Moulin D’Olivette increased yield, improved quality, and efficiency.

 

How Acesur is Redefining Olive Oil Production with Revolutionary PEF Technology

 

Aceites Canoliva: Pioneering Olive Oil Excellence with OptiCepts Advanced PEF Solutions

 

Curious to figure out how this olive oil technology could impact your production? Fill out the form below and let’s talk!

Curious to discover what PEF could do for your business?

Fill out the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible!

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