Development of a pilot ultrasound equipment and its optimal parameters for the rapid debitterizing of apricot kernels

Ultrasound has previously been proven to improve the efficiency of apricot kernels debitterizing process at the laboratory level, while the information on the industrial equipment is not available. In order to investigate the feasibility in industrial application, a continuous countercurrent pilot ultrasound equipment was developed. The mechanical structure and parameters of the prototype were designed by AutoCAD software, and the acoustic pressure distribution with different transducer arrangements and frequencies was simulated by COMSOL Multiphysics software. The pilot test was conducted on the prototype to optimize the conditions and verify the debitterizing effect. Overall, the equipment was consisted of five sections including crushing, conveying, ultrasonic, water circulation and control systems with the dimension of 6670 × 980 × 2850 mm. The optimal installation parameters for the transducers were frequency of 28 kHz, spacing 225 mm and angle 100°. Compared to the industrial debitterizing time for 48 h, it could be shortened to 2.5 h using the developed prototype and the loss of apricot kernel components could be effectively reduced. The eco-efficiency comparison indicated that the equipment is energy-saving and environmentally friendly for industrialized production. In conclusion, the equipment prototype might be used for the industrial debitterizing of apricot kernels so as to greatly reduce the time and the resource waste.