Steam Distillation Unit

Steam Distillation Unit

The Steam Distillation Unit is a specialized glass distillation system engineered for the extraction and purification of essential oils and volatile aromatic compounds from botanical materials such as plants, herbs, woods, roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers. The system operates on the proven principle of steam distillation, ensuring high-purity oil recovery without thermal degradation.

Manufactured from high-quality Borosilicate Glass 3.3, this unit is suitable for laboratory, pilot-scale, and small industrial production, with the flexibility to operate under atmospheric pressure as well as full vacuum.

How Does a Steam Distillation Unit Work? – Step-by-Step Process

Steam Generation
Water is heated separately in a spherical glass vessel, generating clean, saturated steam.

Steam–Biomass Interaction
The generated steam enters the reactor vessel containing plant or biomass material.

Volatile Oil Liberation
Steam ruptures oil glands within the biomass and carries volatile aromatic compounds.

Condensation Process
The steam–oil vapors pass through a high-efficiency glass condenser, where they cool and condense.

Oil Collection
The condensate flows into a receiver vessel, where essential oil and hydrosol separate naturally.

Residue Retention
Non-volatile plant residues remain inside the reactor, ensuring clean separation.

Key Features & Benefits – Steam Distillation Unit

True Steam Distillation Technology

Separate Steam Generation Vessel

High-Purity Essential Oil Extraction

Suitable for Heat-Sensitive Botanicals

All-Glass Product Contact Parts

Zero Metal Contamination

Atmospheric & Vacuum Operation

Easy Cleaning & Maintenance

Technical Specifications – Steam Distillation Unit

Cat. Ref.	Capacity	Mantle Power (KW)	Addition Vessel	Condenser HTA (m²)	Receiver Size
EOSD 10	10 L	1.0	5 L	0.35	5 L
EOSD 20	20 L	1.8	5 L	0.50	5 L
EOSD 50	50 L	3.6	20 L	1.50	20 L
EOSD 100	100 L	5.4	20 L	1.50	20 L
EOSD 200	200 L	8.1	50 L	2.25	50 L

Available Capacities: 10 L, 20 L, 50 L, 100 L, 200 L
Operating Mode: Atmospheric Pressure & Full Vacuum

Safety & Operating Advantages

• Open & Low-Pressure Steam System
• Prevents Thermal Degradation of Oils
• Uniform Heat Distribution
• Transparent Glass for Visual Monitoring
• High Thermal Shock Resistance
• Safe Operation for Continuous Use

Optional Accessories & Customization – Steam Distillation Unit

Our Steam Distillation Units can be configured with process-specific accessories designed exclusively for essential oil extraction and botanical processing, ensuring higher yield, better aroma retention, and safe operation.

Steam & Extraction-Specific Accessories

• Dedicated Steam Generator Vessel – For stable, continuous steam supply
• Biomass Basket / Plant Material Holder – Prevents clogging and ensures uniform steam flow
• Perforated Steam Distributor Plate – Improves steam penetration through dense biomass
• Florentine Oil Separator (Oil–Hydrosol Separator) – For efficient essential oil separation

Condensation & Cooling Enhancements

• High-Efficiency Coil or Liebig Condenser (Extended Length) – Improves condensation rate
• Product Cooler (Post-Condenser Cooling) – Enhances oil separation clarity
• Chiller Integration Port – For controlled cooling in warm climates

Operation & Control Add-Ons

• Digital Temperature Indicator (Steam & Condenser Side)
• Sight Glass for Steam Flow Monitoring
• Vacuum Attachment (Optional) – For low-temperature steam distillation of delicate botanicals

Safety & Convenience Accessories

• Vacuum / Vent Valve Assembly
• Drain Valve for Spent Biomass Removal
• Splash Guard & Vapour Trap
• Quick-Clamp Glass Joints for Easy Assembly

Customization Options

• Custom Reactor & Receiver Capacities
• Multi-Receiver Collection System
• Pilot-Scale & Semi-Industrial Configurations
• Integration with Essential Oil Recovery Lines
• Layout Customization for Batch or Continuous Steam Feed

Accessories are selected based on plant material type, oil yield requirement, and operating scale.

Applications of Steam Distillation Unit

• Essential Oil Extraction
• Herbal & Ayurvedic Processing
• Fragrance & Perfume Industry
• Cosmetics & Personal Care Manufacturing
• Food Flavor & Aroma Extraction
• Research & Development Laboratories

Industries We Serve

• Essential Oil Manufacturers
• Herbal & Ayurvedic Industry
• Cosmetics & Wellness Brands
• Fragrance & Flavor Industry
• Research Institutions
• Pilot Plants & Startups

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is steam distillation mainly used for?
Steam distillation is used to extract essential oils and volatile compounds from plant materials without damaging them.

Q2. Can this unit operate under vacuum?
Yes, the Steam Distillation Unit is suitable for atmospheric as well as vacuum operation.

Q3. Is this unit suitable for continuous operation?
Yes, it can be used for batch and semi-continuous processes depending on configuration.

Q4. What material is used for construction?
All product-contact parts are made from Borosilicate Glass 3.3.

Why Choose Our Steam Distillation Unit?

• Proven Industrial Design
• High Oil Yield & Purity
• Safe, Reliable & Energy Efficient
• Custom-Built Configurations Available
• Long Service Life & Low Maintenance