This system evolved when a customer of mine who owned a motor home wanted to make moonshine explained that my regular unit was too large for him to be carrying around the country. Thus the small still. This also opened up the person who had a small apartment or who simply didn't need the capacity that the larger unit offers. At the same time I had a request from a person who was interested in extracting essential oils from plants and flowers. I discovered if I added a steam tray it would work just fine. I have increased the size from 16 quarts to 20 quarts to give it a little more capacity.


 

I have then added a stainless steel screen mesh that you would place your leaves or pedals on. The screen shown is 1/4" x 1/4" mesh but also available for seeds or finer particles is 1/16" x 1/16".

The lower unit or "BOILER" is made of stainless steel and the upper portion called the "CRACKING TOWER" is made of copper that will take the high temperatures that is required when distilling water or other products requiring lower temperatures. The "CONDENSER" is made of economical plastic that gets the job done at the most reasonable price. Cleanliness is very important in the making of "clean, clear, water". 

The "Boiler is the tank that contains the water that is going to be turned into steam which rises passing through the plant or flower  loosening up the oil that is in the plant. These plants are placed on the steam tray which is located above water. 

The "Cracking Tower" is the second chamber that performs a very simple task. It collects the water vapor and the essential oils that are given off from the boiler. These vapors will rise to the top.

At the top the vapors are collected and forced into the "Condenser". This chamber contains a copper coil that the tubing with the vapors in from the cracking tower is attached to, The condenser has a continuous flow of cool water through it which will turn the vapor in to a liquid which consists of water and the essential oil. All oils have a lighter density than water and will float on top of the distilled water. The oil is then removed.

After steam distilling your product you have a collection of Essential Oils and Essential Water. The Oil is always heavier than the Water so it will float to the top. I have designed an oil water separator as shown above:

The capacity of the upper chamber is just under one cup or just over 200 ml. You would place your mixture into the chamber and allow the oil to rise to the top. Open the petcock and allow the water to drain off. When you reach the point where there is a mixture then you would stop. You would then capture separately the area where there is both and then shut the petcock. Then open it again and capture the oil. The mixture can be put back into the top chamber to work again so that nothing is lost.

I hope you enjoy your home distillation unit. In the writing of this book it has put me in touch with many people around the world. The stories are endless as to the people who have contacted from every corner of the globe. Each one has their own reason for wanting to build or purchase one of my units. Please let me know what yours is.

Bob Sebert

If you have any questions that you would like answered please E-mail me at rsebert@rogers.com or phone 705 326-4790.

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