Fruit Juice Residue (Pomace) Dewatering for Juice Plants

Juice extraction facilities produce large volumes of fruit pomace — the solid residue left after pressing apples, oranges, grapes, and other fruits. This pomace is typically 75–85% water, making it expensive to haul and difficult to process further. A screw press dewatering machine can reduce this moisture burden, turning a disposal liability into a valuable by-product stream.

The Pomace Challenge

A medium-sized juice plant processing 50 tonnes of fruit daily may generate 15–25 tonnes of wet pomace. At 80% moisture, this means transporting approximately 16–20 tonnes of water every single day. Many juice producers recognise the value locked in their pomace — it contains dietary fibre, residual sugars, vitamins, and valuable compounds like polyphenols.

How Screw Press Handles Fruit Pomace

Fruit pomace varies considerably depending on the source fruit. Apple pomace is relatively coarse and fibrous, making it ideal for screw press dewatering. Citrus pomace contains more pulp and essential oils. Grape pomace (marc) includes skins, seeds, and stems. A screw press dehydrator handles this variability through adjustable back-pressure at the discharge gate.

By-Product Opportunities

• Animal feed supplement — Dried or semi-dry pomace is a nutritious livestock feed ingredient rich in fibre and energy.
• Pectin production — Apple and citrus pomace are commercial sources of pectin; dewatering concentrates the raw material.
• Composting / biogas — The liquid fraction contains soluble sugars suitable for anaerobic digestion.
• Bio-based materials — Research continues into using fruit fibres for packaging and composite materials.

Recommended Model

For juice plants generating 2–6 m³/h of mixed fruit pomace, the CTYZ-300 Screw Press Dewatering Machine offers reliable performance with modest power consumption.

Conclusion

Fruit juice residue does not have to be a costly disposal problem. With proper screw press dewatering, juice plants can dramatically reduce waste volume, lower transport costs, and create opportunities for value-added by-products.