Objective:
After harvesting, the resin takes the form of a homogeneous mixture. Its distillation makes it possible to obtain two products: rosin and turpentine oil. The objective of extraction is to isolate and sample these compounds accurately. In other words, it is a question of having the finest possible selectivity. The second objective is not to alter the molecules and thus take full advantage of its qualities.
Context:
The traditional distillation of the resin is hydrodistillation or distillation by steam distillation. The resin is mixed with water. The mixture is heated to reach the boiling temperature of the water. The essential oil, a highly volatile compound, is carried by water vapour, unlike rosin. As it passes through the condenser, the mixture (water and turpentine oil) is cooled and returned to a liquid state. Two phases are then distinguished: water and turpentine oil, which can, therefore, be recovered.
Contacts:
Benoît Legros
b.legros@supercriticalfluid.org