HYDRO-DISTILLATION VERSUS STEAM DISTILLATION FOR CLOVE OIL PRODUCTION

Abstract

The production of clove essential oil by hydro distillation and steam distillation has been experimentally investigated. The density of the oil was determined to be ρ ≈ 1.0648 g cm^-3. By means of hydro-distillation, a higher yield of 9.714 mass % was obtained compared to the steam distillation - 4.986 mass %. This is due to the formation of a hard-to-break emulsion in the distillate when using the steam distillation technique. Liquid-liquid extraction and gravity sedimentation were independently applied for the aim of separating the essential oil from the obtained distillate. The obtained yield of clove oil per distillate unit using liquid-liquid extraction was 9.714 mass % and its higher than that found by gravity sedimentation - 4.95 mass % using the same production method. However, considering the final cost per unit of produced oil and its intended use in foods, cosmetics and medicines, separation of the oil by gravity settling is more suitable.