A steel hydrosol distillation machine is a device, typically made from stainless steel, designed to extract hydrosols (also known as floral waters or hydrolats) from plant materials through the process of steam or hydro distillation.
How it Works:
The machine consists of several main components: a boiler (to heat water and generate steam), a chamber for holding plant material, a condenser (to cool and condense the steam), and a separator to collect the resulting hydrosol and any essential oils produced.
During operation, steam passes through the plant material, extracting volatile aromatic compounds. As the steam cools in the condenser, it returns to liquid form, separating into essential oil (if present) and hydrosol. The hydrosol contains water-soluble plant compounds and a small amount of emulsified essential oil.
Key Features:
Material: Stainless steel is favored for its durability, ease of cleaning, and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for both small and large-scale production.
Output: Produces hydrosols that are safe for direct application to skin and widely used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and natural health remedies.
Versatility: Some machines can also be used to distill essential oils and other aromatic compounds, depending on design and configuration.
Typical Uses:
Home and professional production of hydrosols such as rosewater, lavender water, and other floral or herbal waters.
Applications in aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, and sometimes in food and pharmaceuticals.