Continuous Steam Distillation for Essential Oil Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting essential oils from biogenic plant raw materials are energy-inefficient and wasteful, as they involve discontinuous batch processing, leading to high energy consumption and unnecessary disposal of by-products, while also requiring complex apparatus technology.
Innovation Solution
A continuous steam distillation process that separates solid and liquid phases, allowing for the production of 100% natural and sterile essential oil and reusable, sterile solid bodies, such as pellets, with reduced energy consumption and apparatus complexity, utilizing steam distillation and azeotropic phase separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If discontinuous batch processing is used for essential oil extraction, then the extraction process can be performed with simpler operational control, but energy consumption increases and by-products must be disposed of without further use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous processing where biogenic raw materials are continuously fed through the steam distillation system, eliminating batch-to-batch idle time and maintaining constant heat and mass transfer efficiency. This continuous operation reduces overall energy consumption while improving operational throughput compared to discontinuous batch processing
2Device complexity
If discontinuous batch distillation is used, then apparatus technology requirements are reduced, but energy consumption increases and heat and mass transfer values become unfavorable
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous steam distillation process maintains constant thermal fields and optimized heat transfer conditions throughout operation, eliminating the heating/cooling cycles inherent in batch processes. This results in more favorable heat and mass transfer values and reduced energy consumption while requiring a continuously operating distillation apparatus
3Device complexity
If discontinuous batch processing is used, then apparatus technology outlay is reduced for comparable performance, but energy consumption increases and by-products are disposed of without further use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers and utilizes by-products from the steam distillation process. The solid phase residue is dried and pelleted for use as animal feed or fuel, while the condensate is separated into essential oil and water phases for further applications. This recovery approach increases overall productivity and value from the raw materials processed
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous processing apparatus is designed to simultaneously perform steam distillation, phase separation, condensation, and solid residue drying in an integrated system. This multi-functional design achieves high performance output while managing apparatus complexity through functional integration rather than multiple separate units
4Loss of energy
If continuous steam distillation is used, then energy consumption is reduced and heat and mass transfer are optimized, but apparatus technology requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing functions into a single continuous steam distillation apparatus that simultaneously performs distillation, condensation, phase separation, and solid residue drying. This merging of functions optimizes energy utilization through heat integration while managing apparatus complexity through integrated design
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables nearly complete utilization of biogenic raw materials, reducing energy consumption and apparatus complexity, while producing reusable and hygienic solid products for animal husbandry, and extending cleaning cycles with cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
the delivered raw biomass is broken down and dried after being processed into biogenic raw materials by means of steam distillation
Implementation Method 2
the liquid phase is separated after leaving the steam distillation by means of vapor condensation
Implementation Method 3
and azeotropic phase separation to obtain 100% natural and absolutely sterile essential oil and water distillate
Implementation Method 4
the solid phase is processed during the thermal treatment from an initial water content of about 35-55% by mass to a final water content of about 4-7% by mass in a substantially pure steam atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for obtaining essential oils from biogenic plant raw materials. In the method, the biogenic raw materials are digested and the solid phase and the liquid phase are separated continuously by means of a steam distillation process. The liquid phase is treated by means of a spent-steam condensation process and azeotropic phase separation such that an absolutely sterile, 100% naturally pure essential oil is obtained and distilled water is accumulated in the process. The solid phase is processed into absolutely sterile solid molded bodies. The invention further relates to a device for obtaining essential oil from biogenic plant raw materials, said device comprising a biomass preparation module, a steam distillation and drying module, a spent-steam condensation module for obtaining absolutely sterile, 100% naturally pure essential oil and distilled water, and a processing module which generates absolutely sterile and virtually dust-free solid molded bodies from the solid phase.