Monday, July 28, 2014

Steam Distillation Equipment In A Nutshell

By Imelda Reid


Distillation is the process of separating liquids based on the difference in their boiling degrees. Steam distillation refers to a process of separating temperature sensitive materials. Materials that are separated by steam distillation equipment break down at high temperature and are insoluble or slightly soluble in water. They do not have to be liquids at room temperature, for instance the isolation of caffeine from the green tea.

Operation Water is incorporated into the vapor distillations equipment to aid in lowering the temperature of the material to be separated. This allows them to evaporate without disintegration. At times pressure may also be lowered to reduce the temperatures in the distiller even further. Condensation follows distillation.

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.

There are two main ways of generating vapor in this machinery. External vapor distillations is whereby the steam is led from a vapor path through water trap into the apparatus. On the other hand, internal vapor distillations is whereby hot water is added to the flask that will produce vapor and thus provide an internal steam source. This method is rapid and there is possibility of greater control by the operator.

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.

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.

The petrochemical plants and petroleum refineries have adopted using this equipment in their production activities. It is mostly referred as steam stripping. Important functions is also found in the separation of fatty acids from some mixtures and also in the treatment of crude products. It separates and extracts soaps, fatty acids and other valuable organic matter.

When handling the gadgets, ensure you put in mind of necessary precautions. Make sure that there are no leakages as it can lead the machinery having a lower output. Wearing protective gears will be essential to ensure that you are safe from hot surfaces, hot steam and also emitted fumes that could be hazardous. Ensure that you check on the ability and price of your ideal gadget plus also the convenience of acquiring the machines.




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