PAUL'S FIRST STILLThis was the first still Paul built and was heated by gas in the early days. But the cost and risks associated with gas meant that we eventually moved to diesel burners.
OUR DISTILLATION SERVICES
In addition to distilling our own sourced material on-site at Lavender Row, we are also able to provide distillation services to others. If you are interested and have 60kg of material or more, please contact us to discuss whether we can help you produce your own essential oil. Later in the year we will also have a smaller 25kg still operating which would be ideal for processing smaller quantities from home or lifestyle properties.
Our Essential Oils are produced using a patented steam vacuum distillation unit
The system uses vacuum to keep temperatures low. The working temps are between 70 and 98 degrees celsius. This means the process is a lot calmer and less damaging to the fragile oils, so we are protecting the top notes. A vacuum environment also stress the holding sacks for the oils causing them to burst on some plant material. "Like Thyme"
Further to this there is a small reduction in energy to keep the still running so a cost saving.
BUILDING A STILL
HARVESTING AND PREPARATION
HARVESTED MATERIALFirst the material is harvested during the season that will optimise the oil yield from that particular plant. Depending on the plant and its age, this may involve harvesting by hand, with a hedge or pole trimmer or using a tea cutter.
DISTILLING THE OIL
THE PROCESSThe water at the base of the still pots gets to boiling and releases steam up through the plant material taking the oil with it. It then passes through the condenser which cools the steam down allowing the oil and hydrosol to separate and flow into the essencer.
THE ESSENCERAs the essential oil and the hydrosol flows into the essencer, the oil settles at the top. The essential oil can then be decanted at the end of the distillation.
CONSTANT MONITORINGWe monitor the temperature and pressure throughout the distillation - from the moment the system is sealed and the burners started to when we power down once all the oil is extracted. By managing these factors and "balancing" the system, we can ensure the highest quality essential oil yield.