Steam Distillation Method

Steam distillation is a complex process of separating two aromatic compounds. It is also known as separation process in which various organic compounds show the tendency of decomposition at higher temperature. The process of steam distillation is used in order to produce essential oils for the perfume industry. Moreover, it is also widely preferred in petroleum refineries and petrochemical plant and referred as Steam stripping. Steam distillation is efficient to separate the intermediate and final products of the organic compounds.

Complete Process of steam distillation

This process is used to extract essential oils from the organic plants by passing generated steam through the plant. The sensitive compounds has a tendency to get decompose easily at a lower temperature through a simple distillation process, when subjected to steam in distillation department. In result this helps in separation of essential oils which is less soluble in boiling water.
When, steam is passed through the organic compound, the tiny pouches containing the essential oil open up to release the essential oil molecules without causing any harm to the delicate components. The extracted essential oil contain a mixture of water vapor and oil which returns to its liquid form in the condensing apparatus and further separated through using Florentine separator.
Steam distillation is the best process to extract essential oil from the aromatic plants and flavor liqueurs in order to retain the aroma and flavor.

History of the process

The complex process of steam distillation was introduced by a Persian chemist ibn sina in the 11th century in order to extract essential oils. The invention of the process of steam distillation led to complete revolution in the perfume industry.