Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Steam distillation is a widely used technique in the extraction of essential oils and other volatile compounds from natural materials. In this project, we aim to construct an open steam distillation column for the efficient extraction of essential oils from aromatic plants. The design and construction of the column will be based on established principles of steam distillation, with a focus on optimizing the process for maximum yield and quality of the extracted oils. The construction of the open steam distillation column will involve the selection of appropriate materials for the column body, condenser, and other components. The column will be designed to allow the passage of steam through the plant material, facilitating the release of essential oils and other volatile compounds. The condenser will be designed to efficiently cool and condense the steam, allowing for the collection of the extracted oils. To ensure the successful operation of the open steam distillation column, careful attention will be paid to the design of the heating system. The column will be heated using a steam generator or other suitable heat source, with temperature control mechanisms in place to regulate the steam flow and maintain optimal extraction conditions. Additionally, the column will be equipped with monitoring and control systems to track key process parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates. The construction of the open steam distillation column will be followed by thorough testing and optimization to ensure its performance and reliability. The efficiency of the extraction process will be evaluated based on factors such as yield, purity, and aroma profile of the extracted oils. Any necessary adjustments or modifications to the column design will be made to improve its performance and maximize the extraction efficiency. Overall, the construction of an open steam distillation column for the extraction of essential oils represents a valuable contribution to the field of natural product extraction. By optimizing the design and operation of the column, this project aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of essential oil extraction processes, opening up new possibilities for the utilization of aromatic plants in various industries.

Thesis Overview

1.0     INTRODUCTION

Distillation is a separating technique in which two liquids are separated at essentially the same temperature and pressure.  It is also the term used to describe the operation where the vaporization of a liquid mixture yields a vapor phase containing more than one constituents and it is desired to recover one or more of this constituents in a nearly pure state.

It would probably be beneficial to define the terms that describe the process and related properties.  Let us begin by describing the process by which a substance transformed from the condensed phase to the gas phase.  For liquid, this process is called VAPORIZATION and for a solid it is called SUBMIATIN, both processes requires heat.  All substances regardless whether they are liquids or solids are characterized by a vapor pressure.  The vapor pressure of a pure substance is the pressure exerted by the substance against the external pressure which is usually  atmospheric pressure. Vapor pressure is a measure of the tendency to escape.  When the vapor pressure of a liquid substance reaches the external pressure the substance is observed to Boil.  If the external pressure is atmospheric pressure, the temperature at which a pure substance boils is called the NORMAL BOILING POINT.  Solid substances are not characterized by a similar phenomena called BOILING.  They simply vaporize directly into the atmosphere.

Generally speaking, distillation, stripping, absorption, humidification are industrial stage wise operations which involves the contact of two phases in various apparatus.  Completion of separation depends upon certain properties of components involved and the arrangement of the distillation process.

The properties involved are:

–                     Mode of temperature and process control

–                     The relative volatility between the liquid and vapor phases

–                     The production capacity of the distiller

–                     The type of distillation involved

However, the importance of distillation in commercial process is the purification of a large variety of material and petroleum industries.  It is applied in the production of hot drinks in chemical industries.  Also, applied in oil companies for the separation of petroleum into its various components e.g kerosene, diesel, gasoline, petrol, fuel, oil, lubricating oil, paraffin wax, aliphatic etc.  Lastly, it is equally applied in pharmaceutical industries for the production of ethylated spirits and many other medical strubs.