Wednesday, August 6, 2014

An Outlook At Steam Distillation Equipment

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.

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 steams distillations units are commonly designed in stainless steel and at times in borosilicate glassware to reduce the possibilities of breakage to zero. It is designed in such a way that the distillation process including the solvent extraction is performed in a similar unit whether at atmosphere or under higher pressure unlike in glass.

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.

These components vary depending on scale of operation and type of materials to be distilled. Generally the components fall into three parts. The first part is steam generator where vapor is produced and can be heated by any device. The succeeding part is the distiller where distillation takes place. The heating systems for both parts are separate. The third part is condensation plus receiver which contains a normal condenser for water and a calibrated receiver.

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.

Ensure that you take the necessary precaution while handling these gadgets. Check out for any leakages which can result to inefficiency and also ensure that you wear protective gears to protect your eyes or skin from hot steams and surfaces or fumes that may be emitted. Compare prices, quality and customer care services provided in order to increase your efficiency of acquiring the commodity.




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