"The definition of an essential oil, which was adopted by the International Standards Organization (ISO) at the 9th Plenary Meeting of the Technical Committee ISO/TC54 Essential Oils, held in Lisbon, 5th-9th March, 1968, was: Essential oils are volatile oils, generally odorous, which occur in certain plants or specified parts of plants, recovered by accepted procedures, Such that the nature and composition of the product is, as nearly as practicable, unchanged by such procedures. This is an important definition. It specifies clearly that the nature and compo-sition of the oil must be unchanged by the process of extracting it and is there-fore one reason why steam distillation is an appropriate method of extraction. Furthermore, because steam distillation has been the extraction method for most essential oils, the market accepts steam distilled oil as normal oil. Oil derived by another technique might be of slightly different chemical composition and therefore might not be accepted by the market as normal oil." The department of Trade and Industry Document South Africa Dec 2004
COMPONENTS OF A DISTILLATION UNIT
1. STEAM GENERATOR OR BOILER
The boiler or steam generator supplies the steam for the system and each plant material has its own steam flow rate. Fuel source can vary due to customers various circumstances and preferences.
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Electrical
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Diesel
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Wood or Bio Mass
Over the years we have built up relationships with suppliers and can supply boilers for you at completive rates or use an existing steam source.
Please note boilers fall under government laws and have to be inspected on a continuous basis. Please check government gazette.
2. HEAT EXCHANGER
The heat exchanger turns steam and the volatile oil gas back into water. Designed for the machine's steam flow rate, plant material and water quality.
3. SEPARATOR
The Separator separates the oil and hydrosol. Designed for the machine's flow rate and plant material used. Separators available for oils heavier than water.
4. STILL
The size of the still is determined by the plant material. E.g. lavender has a window period and all material has to be stilled in a short time, which increases machine size and boiler steam flow rate.
