Citrus Processing Line
A citrus processing line is a complete industrial solution designed to transform fresh citrus fruits into commercial juice, pulp, concentrate, or other value-added products. The line typically includes a series of automated units for fruit reception, washing, crushing, juice extraction, pulp refining, deaeration, pasteurization or UHT sterilization, evaporation (for concentrates), and aseptic filling.
Depending on the target product—such as NFC juice, pulp-in-juice blends, or concentrated orange juice—the configuration can be customized to optimize yield, flavor retention, and microbiological safety.
EasyReal citrus processing systems are modular, scalable, and engineered for continuous, hygienic operation under strict food safety standards.
EasyReal’s citrus processing lines are designed to handle a wide variety of citrus fruits, including:
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Sweet Oranges (e.g. Valencia, Navel)
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Lemons
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Limes
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Grapefruits
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Tangerines / Mandarins
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Pomelos
These lines are adaptable to multiple product formats, including:
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NFC Juice (Not From Concentrate), ideal for fresh market or cold chain retail
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Citrus Pulp – natural pulpy juice or frozen pulp blocks
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FCOJ (Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice) – suitable for bulk export
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Citrus Base for Beverages – blended concentrates for soft drinks
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Citrus Essential Oils & Peels – extracted as by-products for added value
Whether you focus on high-acid juice export or domestic pulp beverages, EasyReal can tailor the configuration for different processing goals.
The citrus processing line follows a structured flow to ensure product quality, production efficiency, and food safety. A typical process includes the following stages:
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Fruit Reception & Washing – Fresh citrus fruits are received, sorted, and cleaned to remove impurities.
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Crushing & Juice Extraction – The fruit is mechanically broken down and passed through citrus juice extractors or twin-screw presses.
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Pulp Refining / Sieving – Extracted juice is refined to adjust pulp content, using coarse or fine sieves depending on the product requirement.
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Preheating & Enzyme Inactivation – The juice is heated to deactivate enzymes that cause browning or flavor loss.
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Vacuum Deaeration – Air is removed to improve product stability and prevent oxidation.
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Pasteurization / UHT Sterilization – Depending on shelf-life requirements, juice is treated thermally to destroy harmful microbes.
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Evaporation (Optional) – For concentrate production, water is removed using multi-effect evaporators.
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Aseptic Filling – The sterile product is filled into aseptic bags, bottles, or drums under sterile conditions.
Each stage can be customized based on the fruit type, product form, and desired output volume.
A high-performance citrus processing line integrates a set of key machines tailored for juice extraction, pulp separation, thermal treatment, and sterile packaging. EasyReal provides industry-grade equipment including:
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Citrus Juice Extractor
Specially designed for high-yield juice extraction from oranges, lemons, and grapefruits with minimal bitterness from peel oil. -
Pulp Refiner / Twin-stage Pulper
Separates fiber and adjusts pulp content based on final product requirements. -
Plate or Tubular UHT Sterilizer
Delivers ultra-high temperature treatment up to 150°C for microbial safety while preserving juice quality. -
Vacuum Deaerator
Removes oxygen and air bubbles to enhance shelf life and prevent oxidation. -
Multi-effect Evaporator (Optional)
Used for producing concentrated citrus juice with low energy consumption and high Brix retention. -
Aseptic Filling Machine
Sterile filling into bags-in-drums, BIB (bag-in-box), or bottles for long shelf life without preservatives. -
Automatic CIP Cleaning System
Ensures complete cleaning of internal pipelines and tanks, maintaining hygiene and operational continuity.
EasyReal citrus processing lines come equipped with a PLC + HMI control system that enables real-time monitoring, process automation, and formula-based production management. Operators can easily switch between different fruit types, adjust parameters such as flow rate, sterilization temperature, and filling speed, and store recipe presets for repeated batches.
The system also features automatic alarms, remote support access, and historical data tracking, helping factories optimize uptime, quality assurance, and traceability.
In addition, EasyReal lines include a fully integrated CIP (Clean-in-Place) system. This module performs thorough internal cleaning of tanks, pipelines, heat exchangers, and valves without disassembling equipment—reducing downtime and meeting food-grade hygiene standards.
Starting a citrus juice processing plant involves more than just equipment purchase—it’s about planning a scalable, hygienic, and cost-effective production system. Whether you're producing NFC juice for local markets or concentrated orange juice for export, the process includes:
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Determining Product Type & Capacity – Choose between juice, pulp, or concentrate; define daily output.
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Factory Layout Planning – Design production flow with raw material reception, processing, and sterile filling.
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Selecting Equipment – Based on citrus type, juice format, and automation level.
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Utility Design – Ensure proper water, steam, electricity, and compressed air connections.
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Operator Training & Start-Up – EasyReal provides installation, commissioning, and SOP-based training.
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Regulatory Compliance – Ensure hygiene, safety, and food-grade material standards are met.
EasyReal supports every step with tailored technical proposals, cost estimation, and layout drawings to help you launch a citrus project smoothly and efficiently.
With over 15 years of expertise in liquid food processing, Shanghai EasyReal Machinery Co., Ltd. has successfully delivered citrus processing lines to clients in more than 30 countries, covering juice plants, concentrate factories, and R&D institutions.
Why EasyReal stands out:
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Turnkey Engineering – From layout planning to utility integration and commissioning.
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Global Project Experience – Projects implemented in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
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Modular & Scalable Systems – Suitable for small startups or industrial-scale juice producers.
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Certified Components – All contact parts made from food-grade stainless steel, with CE/ISO standards.
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After-Sales Support – On-site installation, SOP-based training, spare parts supply, and remote troubleshooting.
Our strength lies in customized engineering: each citrus line is configured based on your product goals, budget, and local conditions—ensuring maximum ROI and long-term reliability.
Looking to start or upgrade your citrus juice production? EasyReal is ready to support your project with tailored technical proposals, factory layout plans, and equipment recommendations based on your specific requirements.
Whether you're planning a small-scale pilot plant or a full-scale citrus processing factory, our team can help you:
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Design a cost-efficient and hygienic production line
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Choose the right sterilizer, filler, and automation system
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Optimize energy consumption and product quality
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Meet international certification and food safety standards
Contact us today for a customized quotation and project consultation.
