Dampdestillasjon

Dampdestillasjon is a distillation technique used to purify temperature-sensitive compounds that tend to decompose at their boiling points. This method involves passing steam through the substance to be distilled, which vaporizes the target compound along with the steam. The mixture of vapors then rises and is condensed.

The key principle behind dampdestillasjon is that the presence of steam lowers the required temperature for vaporization. Each component in a mixture exerts its own partial vapor pressure. By introducing steam, the total vapor pressure above the mixture is increased, allowing the target compound to vaporize at a temperature below its normal boiling point. This prevents thermal degradation.

This process is particularly useful for extracting essential oils from plant materials, such as flowers, leaves, and roots. The steam penetrates the plant tissue, ruptures oil-containing glands, and carries the volatile oils into the vapor phase. These oils are then separated from the condensed water, often through decantation.

Other applications include the purification of certain organic chemicals and the removal of dissolved impurities from water. Dampdestillasjon is a simple and effective method for separating volatile organic compounds from non-volatile impurities or materials that would otherwise break down under direct heating. The apparatus typically consists of a heat source, a flask for the mixture, a steam source (or steam can be generated in situ), a condenser, and a receiving vessel.