Höyryuuttaminen

Höyryuuttaminen, also known as steam distillation, is a separation technique used to extract heat-sensitive compounds from natural products. It involves passing steam through a material, such as plant matter, which causes the volatile compounds to vaporize along with the steam. The mixture of steam and volatile compounds is then condensed, and the immiscible liquids are separated.

This method is particularly useful for extracting essential oils from flowers, leaves, and roots, as the relatively low temperature of steam (100°C or less) prevents degradation of the delicate aromatic compounds. The process typically involves a distillation flask containing water and the plant material, heated to produce steam. The steam rises, passing through the plant material, and carries the volatile oils into a condenser. The condenser cools the mixture, turning the steam and oil back into liquid form. The oil, being less dense than water, floats on top and can be easily collected.

Höyryuuttaminen is widely employed in the fragrance, flavor, and pharmaceutical industries. It is a preferred method for producing essential oils used in perfumes, aromatherapy, and natural flavorings. The gentle nature of the process ensures that the characteristic aroma and therapeutic properties of the plant material are preserved in the final product. However, some compounds may not be sufficiently volatile or may degrade at steam distillation temperatures, requiring alternative extraction methods.