Optimization of technology for almond oil extraction by supercritical CO₂

Factors influencing oil yield of bitter almond extracted by supercritical CO₂ were studied with both single factor and orthogonal experiment. The optimum extracting conditions are as follows: extraction pressure 35 MPa, extraction temperature 50℃, CO₂ flow rate 24 L/ｈ, diameter of almond powder 60 mu and extraction time 2 h. The sequence of the factors affecting the extraction are: diameter of almond powder >extraction time>extraction pressure> CO₂ flow rate>extraction temperature. Under the optimum conditions, the yield of almond oil is 52.98%. This research lays a foundation for further study on use of bitter almond.