ångdistillation

Ångdestillation is a separation process used to extract volatile compounds from plant materials. It involves passing steam through the plant matter, which causes the volatile oils to evaporate. The mixture of steam and oil vapor then rises and enters a condenser, where it is cooled and liquefies. This liquid is collected, and because the oil and water are immiscible, they separate into two distinct layers. The essential oil, being less dense, floats on top of the water layer, often referred to as hydrosol or floral water.

This method is particularly useful for temperature-sensitive compounds that might degrade at higher temperatures. The steam acts as a carrier, allowing the volatile components to vaporize at a lower temperature than their boiling points. Common applications of ångdistillation include the extraction of essential oils from flowers, leaves, roots, and bark for use in perfumery, aromatherapy, and flavorings. It's a widely used technique in the natural product industry due to its effectiveness and relatively gentle nature.