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Steam Distillation Equipment In Brief

By Imelda Reid


Distillation refers to the process by which liquids are separated by the differences in boiling points. Distillation by steams involves separating materials which are sensitive to temperatures by use of distillations. Such materials include those that disintegrate at high temperature or are water insoluble or at least slightly soluble. Steam distillation equipment does not separate liquids only, for instance, separation of caffeine from green teas.

Principle of Operation to lower the boiling point of the material to be separated, water is added to the vapor distillation apparatus. This lowers the temperature allowing the materials to evaporate without decomposition. Many times, pressure is reduced to lower the temperatures in the distiller even further. After distillations, condensation follows.

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.

This processing tool has various components depending on the scale of production and also the substance to be distilled. However, the components can be generally divided into three groups. The first is a steam generator whereby vapor is produced through heating by an external source of heat. The second part is the distiller whereby the process of distillations takes place. The thirds is the receiver and condensation which bears a calibrated receiver and water based condenser.

Essential oils from plants such as lemon grass, lavender and rosemary can be best separated using steams distillers. This is because the product should not possess water like in the simple distillations process. When this process is used to separate aromatic compounds there are two resultant compounds: essential oil and a watery herbal distillate. Essential oils are commonly used in manufacture of perfumes and also in aromatherapy. The watery distillates have found use in the manufacture of cosmetics such as soaps and lotions an also in the food processing industry.

Other firms that have adopted the use of this machinery in production activities include plants on petrochemical and petroleum refineries. Their method is known as steam stripping. Its functions also extend to fatty acids separation from mixtures and in treating crude products. Extraction of soaps, fatty acids among various organic valuables are also extracted using this method.

Make sure you adopt required precautions when dealing with these products. Be keen on presence of leakages that can lead to inefficiency. Protective gears should be worn to protect the eyes and skin from very hot surfaces and vapor or even emitted fumes. Compare the prices and the ability of the gadget to perform to your required needs. When shopping for the product on the internet, check on the firm that is accessible or offers shipping services as it will reduce the hassle of acquiring it.




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