Citrus processing system and method

A system for processing citrus fruit includes a juice extractor and finisher from which wet peel and pulp and finished juice are obtained. The stream of wet peel pulp is separated into press liquor and press cake components. The press cake is introduced into a dryer where it is contacted by superheated steam so that the press cake is elevated to a high temperature without oxidation, and moisture is driven from the press cake to provide surplus steam and dried pulp from the dryer. The press liquor is conducted to an evaporator where moisture is removed providing a molasses concentrate. The finished juice is conducted to another evaporator where moisture is removed providing a juice concentrate. The surplus steam is directed from the dryer to both of the evaporators to provide the heat for evaporation. The remainder of the steam from the dryer is directed to a heat exchanger where it is superheated without dilution with noncondensible gases for a subsequent passage through the dryer. Thus, it is unnecessary to operate a boiler to provide the steam used by the system. Provision is also made for use in the system of the heat contained in the combustion gases which are exhausted from the heat exchanger. This judicious use of heat energy provides a relatively efficient system which conserves energy.