Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Steam distillation is a widely used technique for separating volatile compounds from non-volatile substances. In this project, an open steam distillation column is constructed to facilitate the separation of essential oils from plant material. The design of the distillation column incorporates key components such as a steam generator, a condenser, and a collection vessel. The steam generator produces steam that is passed through the plant material, causing the essential oils to vaporize. The vaporized oils then travel up the distillation column, where they are condensed by the condenser. The condensed oils are collected in a separate vessel, ready for further processing or use. The construction of the open steam distillation column involves careful consideration of material selection, dimensions, and assembly techniques. The column is designed to be robust and efficient, allowing for maximum extraction of essential oils while minimizing heat loss and energy consumption. Several parameters such as steam flow rate, temperature, and pressure are monitored and controlled throughout the distillation process to ensure optimal efficiency and product quality. The open design of the distillation column allows for easy access and maintenance of the components, making it suitable for small-scale production or research purposes. Overall, the construction of an open steam distillation column provides a valuable tool for extracting essential oils from a variety of plant materials. The column's design and operational parameters are carefully optimized to ensure high extraction efficiency and product quality. Additionally, the open design of the column allows for flexibility and ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice for small-scale applications. In conclusion, the construction of an open steam distillation column offers a reliable and efficient method for the extraction of essential oils. By carefully designing and assembling the distillation column, researchers and producers can benefit from a versatile tool for separating and collecting volatile compounds from plant material.

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.