“Extracting the Precious Oil from Resinous Agarwood Chips”
Hydrodistillation is a time-tested technique where steam and water are used to extract volatile aromatic compounds from resinous agarwood chips. This step-by-step guide outlines the proper setup, operation, and monitoring process to ensure maximum oil recovery.
A. Pre-Operation Checklist
Task
Checkpoint
Boiler and condenser clean?
✅ No residues or blockages
Water source ready?
✅ Clean, soft water for boiling
Wood chips ready?
✅ Properly chipped and optionally pre-soaked
Safety gear worn?
✅ Gloves, eye protection, heat-resistant apron
Seals & pipes checked?
✅ No leaks, tight fitting connections
B. Loading the Distillation Unit
Fill the Boiler/Still Pot
Place 10–20 kg of agarwood chips into the chamber
Add enough water to submerge ~70% of the chip volume
Do not overfill to prevent foaming or clogging
Seal the Lid
Ensure all gaskets are in place
Tighten clamps or bolts evenly for steam pressure safety
C. Initiating the Distillation Process
Phase
Details
Heating
Begin with high flame or full electrical heat source
Boiling
Wait ~45–60 minutes until water boils and steam rises
Steam Pathway
Monitor steam travel through the swan neck to condenser
D. Condensation and Oil Collection
Condensation Chamber
The steam passes through a water-cooled condenser coil
Ensure continuous flow of cold water to condense vapors efficiently
Oil Separator (Florentine Flask)
Condensate flows into a separator vessel
Oil floats (or sinks) depending on density and is separated from hydrosol
Continuous Monitoring
Adjust heat to maintain a steady boil
Monitor flow rate and color of distillate (golden to amber)
E. Distillation Duration
Stage
Typical Time Required
Pre-heating
45–60 minutes
Active distillation
8–12 hours (or until oil stops forming)
Cooling & cleaning
1–2 hours after shutdown
Longer duration = better yield, but avoid overheating which degrades quality.
F. Post-Distillation Tasks
Step
Details
Oil Collection
Carefully siphon the oil from the separator into dark glass bottles
Hydrosol Storage
Hydrosol (floral water) may be stored for cosmetic uses
Residue Disposal
Compost or burn spent chips appropriately
Equipment Cleaning
Wash and dry all parts to avoid contamination
Safety Tips
Never open the unit under pressure.
Always check for steam leaks and release valves.
Operate in a well-ventilated area.
Use insulated gloves and tongs when handling hot parts.
Optimization Tips
Factor
Influence on Yield
Chip size
Smaller chips = more surface area
Resin content
Higher resin = more oil
Distillation time
Longer time = higher yield (with diminishing return)
