Introduction to Steam

Distillation

Steam distillation is a technique used to separate temperature-sensitive,

natural aromatic compounds from organic materials such as flowers,
leaves, and seeds.

Presented By:-

Aryan 21bch064
Sanya 21bch065
Hajwma Boro 21bch066
Amgothu Kondal 21bch067
Sanchit Thakur 21bch068
Principle of Steam Distillation
1 Process Overview
Steam distillation utilizes steam to volatilize the aromatic compounds, which are then
condensed to produce essential oils or other products.

2 Molecular Separation
The principle involves the separation of the aromatic compounds from the non-volatile
components through the use of steam.

3 Suitability
This method is suitable for substances with high boiling points and decomposition
temperatures.
Equipment Required for Steam
Distillation
Boiling Flask Condenser Receiver Flask

The vessel where the A critical component for The container used to
organic material is placed converting the steam back collect the distillate
for steam distillation. into liquid form to collect produced during the
the distillate. process.
Procedure for Steam Distillation
Step 1
Boiling water produces steam,
which passes through
the organic material.
Step 2
The steam containing the
Step 3
aromatic compounds The condenser cools the
enters the condenser. steam, converting it into
liquid form, yielding the
distillate.
Derivation of Steam Distillation
Principle
The process exploits the difference in
volatility and boiling points between
water and the desired compounds.
Physical Interaction
The compounds are carried along with the
steam and are then separated as the
mixture cools.
Advantages of Steam Distillation

1 Natural Product
Preserves the natural essence of the material as it doesn't involve the use of harsh chemicals.

2 High Purity
Provides high-quality essential oils without the risk of degradation caused by high
temperatures.

3 Multiple Applications
Can be used for various natural materials, yielding a range of essential oils for different
purposes.
Applications of Steam Distillation
Fragrance and Pharmaceutical Culinary Uses
Perfumery Industry
Applied to the extraction of
Used in the extraction of Utilized for extracting natural flavors from herbs
essential oils from flowers, medicinal compounds from and spices for cooking and
herbs, and spices for various plants for use in food production.
perfumes and aromatic pharmaceutical products.
products.
Limitations of Steam Distillation
Heat-Sensitive Compounds Low Yield
Not suitable for substances that are It may not yield substantial quantities of
sensitive to high temperatures and steam. the desired compound for certain
materials.
Safety Precautions for Steam
Distillation
1 Eye and Skin Protection
It is essential to wear protective
goggles and gloves while handling hot
glassware and distillate.
2 Proper Ventilation
Ensure the working area is well-
ventilated to avoid inhaling the steam
and vaporized compounds.
 DERIVATION

if P is the total pressure of the system, PA is the partial pressure of A in a vapour form (= vapour
pressure of liquid A) and pB is the partial pressure of water Vapour (=Vapour pressure of water),
Then
P = P A + PB
For atmospheric distillation :

PA + PB = 1 atm = 760 mmHg

The steam requirement for the process can be determined as follows :
Let YA and YB represent the mole fractions of liquid (desired) and water (steam) respectively in the
Vapour phase, then

PA = YA· P and PB = YB · P

YA /YB = PA /PB = PA /(P – pB)

YA = NA/(NA + NB) and YB = NB/(NA + NB)
where NA and NB are the moles of liquid and water respectively.
∴ NA/NB = PA /(P – PA)
NA / NB = PA (P – PA)

We have:

NB = WB/MB and NA = WA/MA

WA/MA/ WB/MB = PA /(P – PA)

WA/WB = PA MA/ (P – PA) MB

Or
WB/WA = (P – PA) MB /PA MA
= (P – P° A) MB/P ° A MA
(Note that: PA = P ° A )
where WB and WA are the kg of water and liquid respectively, and MB and MA are the molecular weights of
water and liquid respectively.
QUESTION

A 2 kg mixture of A and C (non-volatile) is to be steam distilled. Live steam at 110°C is used at a

flow rate of 10 kg/h. Assume A is immiscible with water. The vaporization efficiency is 0.9. The
vapor pressure of water at 110°C is 1.4 bar and for component A is 0.1 bar. The molecular weight
of A is 200. Calculate the distillation time required.
Conclusion
1 Effective Technique
Steam distillation remains a valuable method for extracting natural aromatic
compounds.

2 Continued Development
Ongoing research and innovation aim to enhance the efficiency and applications of
steam distillation.