Specifications

Component List

All components listed below are included in this kit. Items marked Optional can be customized.

Available Joint Sizes · GB/ISO/ASTM Standards

All sizes share 1:10 standard taper — GB, ISO, and ASTM sizes are interchangeable

14/19 19/26 24/29 (GB·recommended) 29/32 34/35 · 45/40 · 50/42 custom

GB (Chinese) 14/19 · 19/26 · 24/29 · 29/32 ISO 14/19 · 19/26 · 24/29 · 29/32 ASTM (American) 14/20 · 19/22 · 24/40 · 29/42

* All components have matching joint sizes for full system compatibility. ASTM and GB/ISO sizes share 1:10 taper — seal lengths differ but are interchangeable.

Component	Standard Spec	Available Joint Sizes	Upgrade Options	Qty	Link
Please contact us to confirm the available specifications.

📌 Customization Notes:
• Joint size can be selected to match your existing lab system:
GB (Chinese): 14/19 · 19/26 · 24/29 · 29/32
ISO: 14/19 · 19/26 · 24/29 · 29/32
ASTM (American): 14/20 · 19/22 · 24/40 · 29/42
• Generator and distillation flask capacities can be selected based on material volume — generator should be 1.5–2× the distillation flask
• All optional specifications can be freely combined with no minimum order quantity
• For special requirements, please contact our technical team

💡 Recommended Add-Ons: Heating mantles ×2 (for generator and distillation flask) · Separatory funnel (for oil-water separation) · Silicone tubing (for three-way connector) · Thermometer · Anti-bumping granules

Product Description

I. Principle of Steam Distillation

Steam distillation is based on Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures. When two immiscible liquids (water + target organic compound) coexist, the total vapor pressure equals the sum of the individual vapor pressures. Consequently, the system boils at a temperature far below the normal boiling point of the target compound alone — water and the target co-vaporize, and after condensation, a water-oil two-phase system forms for easy separation.

The key advantage is low operating temperature, making it ideal for heat-sensitive, high-boiling, or decomposition-prone organic compounds. A compound is suitable for steam distillation if it meets three criteria:

Immiscible with water — ensures complete phase separation during distillation
Volatile — sufficient vapor pressure near 100℃
Chemically stable — does not decompose under steam at 100℃

✦ Suitability Assessment: If a compound has a boiling point above 100℃ but a vapor pressure ≥ 1.33 kPa at 100℃, it is suitable for steam distillation. Virtually all water-immiscible essential oil components meet this criterion.

II. Apparatus Components & Functions

A steam distillation apparatus consists of three sections: steam generation, distillation, and condensation/collection.

Steam Generator Flask (Round-Bottom Flask) — Heated to produce steam; capacity typically 500–2000ml, water fill ≤ 2/3 capacity
Distillation Flask (Round-Bottom Flask) — Contains the material to be distilled; capacity typically 250–1000ml, material ≤ 1/3 capacity
Three-Way Connector (or Safety Bend) — Connects the generator to the distillation flask, directing steam into the material
Straight Condenser — Condenses the water vapor + target compound mixture back to liquid
Separatory Funnel or Receiver Flask — Collects the condensate for oil-water separation
Iron Stands & Clamps — Two complete sets to secure both flasks
Heating Equipment — Separate heaters for the steam generator and distillation flask (or heat only the generator, allowing steam to heat the distillation flask)

III. Material & Workmanship

All glass components are manufactured from borosilicate glass 3.3. All ground joints are precision-machined to the standard 1:10 taper, available in GB, ISO, and ASTM standard sizes.

This apparatus is designed and manufactured in compliance with GB/T 21298-2017 "Laboratory Glassware — Distillation Apparatus".

⚠️ Critical Safety Warning: During steam distillation, internal pressure can build up — the system MUST be vented to atmosphere (never seal completely) to prevent explosion risk. Never allow the steam generator to run dry — monitor water level and top up as needed.

Applications

Typical Applications

Essential Oil Extraction

Rose, lavender, mint, citrus, and other aromatic plant oils

Natural Flavor Isolation

Vanilla, cinnamon, clove, and other natural flavor compounds

Herbal Medicine Research

Extraction of volatile active compounds from Chinese medicinal herbs

Flavor Analysis

Concentration and detection of volatile flavor compounds in foods

Teaching Laboratories

Natural product chemistry, flavor chemistry, and food analysis courses

Suitable Conditions

Target compound is immiscible with water (essential oils, esters, terpenes, aromatics, etc.)
Has sufficient vapor pressure near 100℃
Is chemically stable under steam conditions at 100℃ — does not hydrolyze
Suitable for high-boiling (>100℃) heat-sensitive organic compounds

Parameter	Recommended Value
Please contact us to confirm the available specifications.

Operation & Maintenance

User Guide

The following is the standard operating procedure for the steam distillation apparatus. Note that this apparatus requires two separate heat sources, and the operating logic differs from other distillation methods.

🚨 Critical Sequence (DO NOT REVERSE):
Startup: Cooling water ON → Heat steam generator → Wait for stable steam → Heat distillation flask
Shutdown: Stop heating distillation flask → Stop heating steam generator → Cool → Turn off cooling water

I. Safety Check & Preparation

Inspect all glass components for cracks or chips
Work in a fume hood — wear lab coat, safety goggles, and gloves
Confirm both heating mantles are functioning properly
Prepare cooling water source

Standard assembly sequence (bottom to top, left to right)

Mount the steam generator flask on the first iron stand — add distilled water (≤ 2/3 capacity) and boiling stones
Mount the distillation flask on the second iron stand — add the material and some water (material ≤ 1/3 capacity)
Connect the generator and distillation flask using the three-way connector
Attach the straight condenser to the top of the distillation flask
Attach the vacuum adapter to the lower end of the condenser, and place the receiver flask underneath
Secure all critical joints with universal clamps
Ensure the system is vented to atmosphere — the top opening of the three-way connector must remain open

III. Cooling Water

Start cooling water BEFORE heating — follow bottom-in, top-out principle
Moderate flow — steady and bubble-free

IV. Heat the Steam Generator

Start heating the steam generator until water boils and produces a steady steam flow
Observe steam continuously emerging from the three-way connector before proceeding
Monitor water level — top up with hot water through the addition port as needed to prevent dry heating

V. Heat the Distillation Flask

Once steam is flowing steadily into the distillation flask, start heating the distillation flask
Adjust the heating rate to control distillate output at 1–2 drops/second
If distillate comes too fast, reduce heating; if none comes, increase steam or check material vapor pressure
The collected condensate will separate into two layers in the receiver (water layer below, oil layer above)

VI. Shutdown

Turn off the distillation flask heater first — allow it to cool naturally
Then turn off the steam generator heater
Allow the apparatus to cool with cooling water circulating until completely cooled
Once no more distillate is collected, turn off the cooling water
Disassemble in reverse order
Transfer the contents of the receiver to a separatory funnel to separate the oil and water layers

📌 Why the System Must Be Vented: Internal pressure builds up continuously during steam distillation. If the system is completely sealed, pressure has no release path — this can cause glass rupture. The top opening of the three-way connector (or safety bend) must always remain open to atmosphere.

💡 From a Seasoned Lab Technician: The "golden rule" of steam distillation is steam first, then material heat — if the distillation flask is heated first, the material can cake or char.
Distillation flask temperature should not exceed 180℃ to prevent oil bath decomposition or material charring.
If excessive foaming occurs in the distillation flask, reduce the material load or add a few drops of antifoam (e.g., silicone oil).
If the condensate shows an emulsion layer, add a small amount of saturated sodium chloride solution or allow extended settling time.

Care & Notes

Show care & notes

⚠️ Safety & Compliance Checklist

Suck-back prevention

When shutting down, stop heating the distillation flask first, then the steam generator — prevents condensate suck-back

Fire/explosion prevention

When distilling flammable volatiles, NO open flame

Standard compliance

Apparatus design complies with GB/T 21298-2017

Do not

System MUST be vented! Never seal the top of the three-way connector — pressure buildup can cause rupture
Prevent dry heating: Maintain adequate water in the steam generator — top up with hot water, never cold (risk of cracking)

Steam Distillation Apparatus

Specifications

Component List

Product Description

I. Principle of Steam Distillation

II. Apparatus Components & Functions

III. Material & Workmanship

Applications

Essential Oil Extraction

Natural Flavor Isolation

Herbal Medicine Research

Flavor Analysis

Teaching Laboratories

User Guide

I. Safety Check & Preparation

Standard assembly sequence (bottom to top, left to right)

III. Cooling Water

IV. Heat the Steam Generator

V. Heat the Distillation Flask

VI. Shutdown

Care & Notes

Suck-back prevention

Fire/explosion prevention

Standard compliance

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Steam Distillation Apparatus

Specifications

Component List

Product Description

I. Principle of Steam Distillation

II. Apparatus Components & Functions

III. Material & Workmanship

Applications

Essential Oil Extraction

Natural Flavor Isolation

Herbal Medicine Research

Flavor Analysis

Teaching Laboratories

User Guide

I. Safety Check & Preparation

Standard assembly sequence (bottom to top, left to right)

III. Cooling Water

IV. Heat the Steam Generator

V. Heat the Distillation Flask

VI. Shutdown

Care & Notes

Suck-back prevention

Fire/explosion prevention

Standard compliance

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Fractional Distillation

Vacuum Distillation

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