Extraction Yield of Essential Oil from Lippia graveolens Leaves by Steam Distillation at Laboratory and Pilot Scales

Abstract

Research on these kinds of plants promotes a beneficial impact on the economy because it addresses the rural and energy crises. In this study, the steam distillation process for obtaining essential oil from Lippia graveolens leaves was evaluated at laboratory and pilot scales. The parameters analyzed were steam flow and bed porosity, and their effects on the extraction yield were determined. The effect of steam flow was found to be an important parameter in steam distillation. The extracts obtained were analyzed by GC-MS. Carvacrol, thymol, and β-cymene constituted the major components of L. graveolens at both scales. The model tested showed a good fit to the experimental data for L. graveolens. The results showed that the greatest yield (4.41 %) was obtained at laboratory scale.

Key words:

• Lippia graveolens (oregano)
• steam distillation
• steam flow
• bed porosity
• essential oil
• yield