Here’s a structured overview of oil collection, separation, and measurement in essential oil extraction, specifically for REHD or steam/hydrodistillation:
1. Oil Collection
Purpose: Safely collect essential oil from the condensed vapor without contamination or loss.
Steps
- Condensation
- Steam carrying volatile compounds enters the condenser, cools, and forms liquid.
- The condensate is a mixture of hydrosol (water) and essential oil.
- Flow to Separator
- Condensate flows by gravity or controlled piping into an oil separator (e.g., Florentine flask).
- Temperature Considerations
- Collect at moderate temperature to prevent volatility loss.
- Avoid direct sunlight to minimize degradation.
2. Oil Separation
Principle: Most essential oils are immiscible with water, allowing physical separation based on density.
Methods
- Florentine Flask
- Separates oil from hydrosol via density difference.
- Oil may float or sink depending on density.
- Stopcock or spout allows controlled draining of hydrosol without losing oil.
- Centrifugation (Optional)
- For emulsified oils or hydrosols, a centrifuge can separate oil efficiently.
- Fractional Separation
- Collect early and late fractions separately for different aroma profiles.
- Early fraction → high volatility compounds
- Late fraction → heavier sesquiterpenes
3. Oil Measurement
Accurate measurement ensures quality control and yield calculation.
Parameters
- Volume
- Measured using graduated Florentine flasks, pipettes, or volumetric cylinders.
- Note: Temperature affects density → record temperature during measurement.
- Weight
- For precise yield calculation, measure mass of oil after separation.
- Use analytical balance (sensitivity ±0.01 g).
- Yield Calculation
[
\text{Yield (% w/w)} = \frac{\text{Mass of oil collected (g)}}{\text{Mass of plant material (g)}} \times 100
] - Documentation
- Record: batch ID, plant species, extraction duration, steam temperature, condensate volume, oil volume, yield.
- Enables process optimization and quality control.
4. Storage Considerations
- Use dark glass bottles to prevent photodegradation.
- Store at cool temperature (15–25°C).
- Avoid air exposure; fill bottles to minimize headspace.
- Label with species, batch number, extraction date, and fraction.
5. Practical Tips
- Monitor oil/hydrosol separation continuously to prevent emulsification.
- Early collection of highly volatile fractions preserves aromatic quality.
- Avoid contamination with plant debris by using filter mesh or sieves in the separator.
6. Visual / Infographic Concept
Title: “Essential Oil Collection, Separation & Measurement in REHD”
- Step 1: Condenser → condensate mixture
- Step 2: Flow to Florentine flask / separator
- Step 3: Oil floats/sinks → hydrosol drained
- Step 4: Volume & weight measurement → yield calculation
- Step 5: Storage in dark bottles, labeled
Icons: steam, condenser, flask, oil droplets, graduated cylinder, balance, storage bottle
I can create a clean infographic showing oil collection, separation, and measurement, illustrating the flow from condenser to final storage with yield calculation for REHD training slides.
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