There is no better moment in a project than the first litres of oil from a new plant. We took this photo during the start-up of a thyme oil distillation unit. In the background, you can still see the hills around the site.
What you see in the photo
On the right stands the still, still wrapped in its protective film. In the centre, you see the conical Florentine flask with a sight glass on top. The distillate flows into the flask, and there the oil and water part ways. Meanwhile, the clear tube fills a glass bottle with thyme hydrosol.
How thyme oil distillation works
- First, the operator loads dried or fresh thyme into the still.
- Then steam passes through the plant bed and carries the oil with it.
- Next, the vapour condenses and flows into the Florentine flask.
- Finally, thyme oil and hydrosol separate by density, and you collect both.
The separator works because oil and water do not mix. You can read how a Florentine flask uses this simple fact.
What affects quality in thyme oil distillation?
- Harvest time and the drying of the plant
- Steam rate and total run time
- Clean separation in the Florentine flask
For example, a steam rate that is too high can push water droplets into the oil. On the other hand, a rate that is too low makes the run slow. So we set the steam rate for each plant during start-up.
Products from thyme
Thyme oil goes into food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. In addition, thyme hydrosol has its own market in natural care products. Therefore, a good plant collects both with care.
Choosing your still
The same steam unit can also handle laurel, rosemary and oregano. You only change the load and the time. Also, see our essential oil distillation units for steam, hydro and solid fuel options.
In short, thyme oil distillation is simple in principle, but the details decide the result. With a good still, a steady steam rate and a clean separator, you get clear oil and a fine hydrosol from every batch.
Thyme distillation on video
In this video, you can follow a thyme essential oil distillation from start to finish.
FAQ
Do you distill thyme fresh or dried? Both work. However, many producers prefer dried thyme for steady loads.
Can I sell the hydrosol? Yes. Cosmetic and natural product makers buy thyme hydrosol.
Ready to start your own thyme project? Contact us.
