Steam Distillation Essential Oil Extraction Methods

Nearly all essential oils are obtained using physical extraction methods with most essential oils.

Steam distillation essential oil extraction methods.

Steam distillation is a process used for the recovery of volatile compounds with high boiling point from inert and complex matrices solid or liquid using saturated or superheated steam as separation and energy agent cerpa et al 2008 this process is used for the extraction of essential oil from plants palma et al 2013 in practice the process uses water and or steam as extracting. Steam distillation is the most widely used method for the extraction of essential oils and isolation of petroleum components. Proper selection of the distillation technique play a vital role in determining the quality and yield of end products. The hot steam helps to release the aromatic molecules from the plant material since the steam forces open the pockets in which the oils are kept in the plant material.

When steam distillation is used in the manufacture and extraction of essential oils the botanical material is placed in a still and steam is forced over the material. Fresh or sometimes dried botanical. Steam distillation is the most popular method used to extract and isolate essential oils from plants for use in natural products. Essential oils are mixtures of aromatic chemicals present in plant material such as leaves buds flowers fruit bark root or wood and are comprised of various natural compounds including terpenes acids aldehydes alcohols esters and ketones.

Steam distillation and cold pressing. Oils derived from steam distillation vary in their qualities depending on the temperatures pressures and length of time applied for the process. Essential oil extraction methods. Steam distillation is the most common method of extracting essential oils.