Distillation of tea-tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil. I. Establishment of basic parameters and standard conditions for a test distiller and evaluation of two prototype distillers

A. W. Ahmad, P. Mansor, Y. Abdul Malek and H. Jaafar

Abstract

A test distiller with a maximum charge capacity of 20 kg was designed, fabricated and used to evaluate the efficiency of two prototype distillers for distilling tea-tree oil. The basic parameters such as the basic time, increment parameter per unit charge height and the lag factor were estimated. Standard conditions such as water flow rate and oil content for the distillation of tea-tree oil were determined using the test distiller. Results of total extraction time and yield of oil indicated that the prototype distiller using fairly dry steam from an evaporator (steam generator) with a steam manifold was superior over the prototype distiller using a water bath system.

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