Lavender, rosemary and thyme have short harvest windows. When the crop is ready, you must distill it fast to keep its oil. That is why many producers plan lavender distillation with several stills in parallel instead of one large still. The photo shows such a plant, newly installed and still wrapped in film.
Why parallel stills?
- Non-stop production: while one still empties and reloads, the others keep running.
- Flexibility: different stills can run different plants on the same day.
- Lower risk: if one still needs service, the plant keeps working.
What you see in the photo
Three stainless steel stills sit below a steel platform. Each one has its own column, condenser and Florentine flask. Also, an overhead rail with an electric hoist lifts the plant baskets in and out. As a result, loading is fast and safe.
Lavender distillation in practice
First, the operator fills a basket with fresh flowering tops. Then the hoist lowers it into the still. Next, steam passes through the flowers and carries the oil to the condenser. Finally, the oil and the hydrosol separate in the Florentine flask.
Rosemary and thyme follow the same steps. However, they need slightly different loads and run times. You can read more about the oil itself on the lavender oil page.
Tips for better lavender distillation
- Distill soon after harvest, while the flowers are fresh.
- Pack the basket evenly so steam reaches every part.
- Keep the steam rate steady from start to finish.
For example, an uneven basket lets steam find a short path. In that case, part of the oil stays in the flowers. So a good loading routine pays off in every batch.
Choosing the right setup
The turnkey plant above uses the same idea at a larger scale. In addition, see all our steam, hydro and solid fuel models on our essential oil distillation units page.
In short, good lavender distillation depends on speed, even loading and a steady steam rate. Parallel stills help with all three, so they suit farms with a short harvest window.
Lavender stills in action
Here you can watch an 1,800 litre lavender distillation plant during the harvest.
FAQ
Can one still handle lavender, rosemary and thyme? Yes. Steam units handle all three, and only the load and time change.
Do the stills need a steam boiler? Our BI series works with an external steam generator. On the other hand, our KY series runs on solid fuel or electricity.
Planning a lavender farm plant? Contact us.
