“Building the Foundation for Oud Oil Extraction”
Hydrodistillation remains the most common and accessible technique for extracting agarwood essential oil, especially in rural or small-scale setups. This module outlines the essential equipment, materials, and layout design required to start and maintain a hydrodistillation operation.
A. Essential Equipment Components
| Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Boiler / Distillation Pot | Large stainless steel or copper vessel where agarwood chips are submerged in water and heated. Often has a false bottom to prevent burning. |
| Condenser / Cooling System | Coiled or tubular cooling unit that turns hot vapor into liquid. Cooled by a continuous flow of water. |
| Separator / Florentine Flask | Glass or stainless steel container that separates essential oil from the hydrosol (water). Oud oil floats or sinks depending on density. |
| Fuel Source | Firewood, gas, or electric burner to heat the boiler. Traditional setups use biomass fuels. |
| Chipper / Grinder (optional) | For chopping agarwood into uniform small pieces to improve surface area and extraction efficiency. |
| Safety Gear | Gloves, fire extinguisher, temperature control valves, and proper ventilation to avoid accidents. |
B. Materials Needed
- Clean water supply (distilled or filtered preferred)
- Chopped agarwood chips (3–5 cm size for optimal exposure)
- Drums or containers for storing hydrosol and oil
- pH meter or thermometer (optional for process optimization)
- Mesh bags (optional, to hold wood chips for easy removal)
C. Basic Hydrodistillation Setup Layout
Schematic Flow:
- Boiler – filled with water + agarwood chips
- Steam & Oil Vapors rise through the top outlet
- Condenser cools the vapor into liquid
- Separator (Florentine Flask) collects oil & hydrosol
- Oil decanted, and hydrosol can be reused or stored
Design Tip:
Position the boiler at a slightly higher level than the condenser to allow gravity-assisted flow, and keep all joints sealed to prevent steam leakage.
D. Optional Enhancements
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Insulated boiler | Minimizes heat loss and improves energy efficiency |
| Water recirculation system | Reduces cooling water usage |
| Pressure relief valve | Ensures safety and avoids boiler explosions |
| Thermostat and timer | Allows for automation and process optimization |
E. Safety Reminders
- Always check for steam leaks before operation
- Ensure good ventilation to prevent pressure buildup
- Never operate boiler without water
- Use protective gloves & goggles
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby