Lime oil & juice
Practical Action
A multi-tubular stainless steel condenser of
the type shown (Figure 1) is the most
efficient, providing sufficient water
pressure is available.
It is essential that you have an efficient
Florentine flask oil separator. The glass
Florentine flask (it can be sealed up of
course) is useful for seeing what is
happening, but they do tend to get broken.
A single stainless steel Florentine flask of
the type shown in the still diagram should
be adequate for most needs (Figure 2).
The darkened areas in the still diagram
should be efficiently lagged in order to cut
down heat losses.
Figure 2: Florentine flask
The steam outlet holes in the open coil are generally arranged so that the steam is admitted
slightly downward and towards the centre of the still.
Lime oil storage
Lime oil may be stored in tanks (stainless steel or glass) and shipped in clear tinplate cans or
new metal drums (coated with a lining non-reactive to the oil, such as an epoxy resin). Lime
oil deteriorates during extended storage and so should be dispatched to the customer as soon
as possible after production.
Containers should be as full as possible to cut down oxidation and securely sealed; the oil
should be kept in a cool place and protected from sunlight. Both oil and juice may be
marketed through essential oil and commodity dealers, but samples must be provided to
them that are representative of the production.
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