Steam Distillation Equipment In A Nutshell

By Imelda Reid


Distillation is separation of liquids on the basis of their different boiling points. On the other hand, steams distillation is the separation of temperature sensitive materials through steam distillation equipment. These materials are those that destabilize under high temperature and also are either slightly soluble in water or completely insoluble. In addition, they do not have to be liquids; this process may also be used whereby one of the products is a solid, for example in separation of green tea to yield caffeine.

In hot vapor distillations, vapor or water is added to the distillations apparatus. It lowers the boiling point of materials to be separated. The materials then can subsequently evaporate at lower temperatures reducing the decomposition of the desired product. Pressure may also be reduced for very temperature sensitive materials so as to reduce drastically the high temperatures in distiller. After distillations, the vapors are condensed.

The vapor distillations tool is usually designed using stainless steel or borosilicate glassware to prevent breakage under high pressure. This means that distillation and solvent extraction can be performed in the same unit at atmosphere or even higher pressure without breaking.

Steam may be generated in two ways. External steams distillations is whereby vapor is passed into the apparatus through a water tap. In an external vapor process, hot water is incorporated into the flask producing an internal steam source. The benefits of this method are that it is fast and the operator has more control.

These components vary depending on scale of operation and type of materials to be distilled. Generally the components fall into three parts. The first part is steam generator where vapor is produced and can be heated by any device. The succeeding part is the distiller where distillation takes place. The heating systems for both parts are separate. The third part is condensation plus receiver which contains a normal condenser for water and a calibrated receiver.

Separation of essential oils to separate essential oils from plants such as chamomile, lavender and lemon grass, this processes is the best way because the product does not have to be a liquid compared to the simple distillation process. Separation of aromatic compounds by use of this process yields two compounds: essential oils and a watery herbal distillate. Essential oils have found use in perfumery and aromatherapy. The watery distillates are used in manufacture of lotions and soaps and other cosmetics and also in food processing.

Some of the companies which use these types of machinery in their production activities are the petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants. In these industries, the method is popularly called steam stripping. Their functions extend to fatty acids, soaps and other organic valuables.

Ensure that you take the necessary precaution while handling these gadgets. Check out for any leakages which can result to inefficiency and also ensure that you wear protective gears to protect your eyes or skin from hot steams and surfaces or fumes that may be emitted. Compare prices, quality and customer care services provided in order to increase your efficiency of acquiring the commodity.




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