“Consistency, Purity, Profitability — Refined by Science”
A. Quality Control (QC) Parameters
Quality control ensures that the agarwood oil produced meets market expectations, export standards, and brand integrity.
| QC Parameter | Target Standard | Method of Assessment |
|---|
| Color | Golden yellow to deep amber | Visual inspection under natural light |
| Clarity | Free of sediments and cloudiness | Glass vial check or filtration test |
| Aroma Profile | Woody, balsamic, sweet, slightly spicy | Organoleptic evaluation (trained panel) |
| Viscosity | Slightly thick but pourable | Manual comparison across samples |
| Specific Gravity | 0.920 – 0.970 (typical range) | Hydrometer measurement |
| Refractive Index | 1.510 – 1.520 | Refractometer |
| GC-MS Profile | Presence of agarofurans, chromones, sesquiterpenes | Laboratory analysis |
| Microbial Contamination | None (sterile) | Only required for cosmetic-grade products |
GC-MS is essential for exports and high-end perfumery-grade oils.
B. Yield Optimization Techniques
1. Pre-Distillation Optimization
- Chips Selection: Use well-infected, resinous heartwood (preferably >20% resin content)
- Size Consistency: Uniform chip size (~1–2 cm) allows even heating
- Soaking: Optional 24–48h water pre-soak softens wood and enhances resin release
- Particle Pre-treatment: Grinding or shredding may increase surface area but can reduce oil quality if overdone
2. Distillation Process Controls
| Control Point | Optimization Tip |
|---|
| Water-to-Wood Ratio | 1:3 to 1:5 is ideal to prevent burning and allow steam flow |
| Heating Curve | Ramp up slowly to 100–105°C to preserve aromatics |
| Steam Flow Rate | Maintain consistent flow without flooding condenser |
| Duration | 6–10 hours typical; longer runs (up to 12–14 hrs) for older chips |
| Batch Size | Avoid overloading still; optimum pressure = better extraction |
C. Monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
| KPI | Target/Action Threshold |
|---|
| Oil Yield per Kg Chips | 1.0 – 3.5 ml/kg (depends on resin level & quality) |
| Distillation Time Efficiency | Target <12 hours for standard batches |
| Batch Consistency | Aroma and clarity within 5% deviation |
| Oil Loss (residual) | <5% residual oil in spent chips |
Residual analysis of used chips can reveal inefficient runs.
D. Corrective Actions & Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|
| Cloudy Oil | Water contamination or fast heating | Slow ramp heat or improve separation |
| Low Yield | Poor resin content or short distillation | Use resinous chips, extend duration |
| Weak Aroma | High temp burn-off of volatiles | Monitor temp closely, use gradual heating |
| Dark/Burnt Oil | Overheating or chip scorching | Use water bath, avoid direct flame |
E. Documentation for QA/QC
| Record Sheet | Purpose |
|---|
| Batch Distillation Log | Temp, time, yield, chip source |
| Quality Inspection Form | Color, clarity, aroma score, tests |
| GC-MS Certificate (Optional) | Export and premium market compliance |
| Yield Calculator Template | Tracks cost-efficiency per run |
Ensure traceability by linking each oil bottle to its original chip batch and distillation data.
F. Yield Optimization Best Practices Summary
- Source well-inoculated, properly seasoned chips
- Use clean, calibrated equipment
- Maintain controlled, consistent heat
- Optimize chip size and water ratio
- Document everything — measure to improve
