Abstract

The steam distillation is the most frequently method for production essential oil from fresh medicinal and aromatic plants. This paper compares an existing with an innovative solution of the substance flow system which is used for production essential oils from the biomass of lavender, juniper, immortelle, chamomile, etc. In order to improve the effectiveness of the distillation process as well as the quality of extracted essential oils, most often used substance flow system was reconstructed. The existing solution of distillation equipment was improved with two innovations. The first one refers to the supply of steam from upper side into the distillation unit, and the second is the technical solution of the condenser. The new distillation equipment was produced in domestic company, and analysis of produced essential oil from immortelle was compared with oil produced with classic distillation method. The analysis showed the improvement of the quality of the essential oil produced with new distillation unit.