“Turning Theory into Craft: Experience the Art of Distilling Agarwood Oil”
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants should be able to:
- Assemble and operate a hydrodistillation apparatus safely.
- Execute the entire distillation process with minimal supervision.
- Troubleshoot common operational problems in real time.
- Analyze the sensory and visual quality of extracted oil.
- Accurately record and interpret process data (temperature, yield, etc.)
A. Instructor-Led Live Demonstration
| Step | Instructor Demonstrates… | Key Points to Emphasize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Equipment assembly (still, condenser, heater, etc.) | Tight seals, heat safety, alignment |
| 2 | Chip loading and water level setup | Chip size uniformity, 1:3 water-to-wood ratio |
| 3 | Fire-up or electric heating | Gradual increase, monitoring start of boil |
| 4 | Oil-water collection system | Glass separator, oil floating layer |
| 5 | Monitoring during distillation | Temp control, steam flow, smell transitions |
| 6 | End-point decisions (when to stop) | Weakening aroma, water clarity |
| 7 | Oil decanting and storage | Use of amber vials, desiccants, labeling |
Encourage questions and pause frequently for clarification.
B. Participant Practice Activities
Each participant or group should be assigned a workstation and perform the following:
| Activity | Skills Practiced |
|---|---|
| Assemble the distillation unit | Equipment familiarity, safety checks |
| Load chips and start the batch | Proper chip handling and batching discipline |
| Record temperature every 30 mins | Data logging and process awareness |
| Observe and describe aroma changes | Sensory training and timing estimation |
| Decant and store oil sample | Gentle handling, accurate separation |
| Clean the apparatus | Post-process maintenance and hygiene |
Instructor to assess hands-on competence using a checklist.
C. Performance Evaluation Criteria
| Skill Area | Evaluation Criteria | Score Range (1–5) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety & Equipment Setup | Proper PPE use, assembly accuracy, no leaks | |
| Process Control | Maintains stable heating, logs data correctly | |
| Team Coordination | Smooth workflow within group | |
| Oil Handling | No spills, clear separation, proper storage | |
| Clean-up & Maintenance | Cleans and resets equipment thoroughly |
Use scores to provide constructive feedback.
D. Documentation Exercises
Participants complete and submit:
- Distillation Log Sheet (date, chip weight, temperature graph, distillation time)
- Yield Report (ml oil per kg chips)
- Quality Observations Form (aroma, color, clarity)
Optional: Compare sample oils under a lightbox or with a refractometer for viscosity comparison.
E. Optional Media Capture
- Take photos/videos of:
- Group setups and chip loading
- Steam rising and oil-water separation
- Final oil samples with labeled bottles
These may be used for SOP manuals, social media, or investor presentations.
F. Troubleshooting Simulation (Optional)
Create scenarios for participants to solve:
- Simulate a drop in oil yield → ask: what might have gone wrong?
- Cloudy oil appears → discuss possible causes
- Leaky joint during distillation → how to fix?
Wrap-Up Discussion
- What were the biggest takeaways?
- What was most difficult or surprising?
- How can this process be improved in their local setup?
Certificates of completion may be awarded upon demonstrated competence and active participation.
Would you like me to create:
- A printable facilitator guide with scoring rubrics?
- A hands-on checklist sheet?
- Visual step-by-step signage for field display?
Next module suggestion:
🔜 9. Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance in Distillation Facilities
Shall we proceed?