• Clevenger-type essential oil distillation apparatus in borosilicate glass with graduated receiver

Essential Oil Distillation Apparatus Clevenger Type

CH-ESS-1000

  • Borosilicate

Vendor: SmartLabs

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R 1,085.00
R 1,085.00
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The Clevenger Apparatus is the industry-standard laboratory glassware used for extracting and measuring the volume of essential oils from plant materials through steam distillation. It is valued for its ability to continuously return water (hydrosol) to the boiling flask while isolating the pure oil in a graduated tube for direct measurement.

 

Essential Components
 
A complete setup typically includes these core parts made from Borosilicate 3.3 glass to resist thermal shock: 
  • Boiling Flask: A round-bottom flask (usually 500mL to 2000mL) where the plant material and water are heated.
  • Clevenger Receiver (Trap): A specialized graduated tube that captures the condensed oil and water mixture. It features a side-arm to return water to the flask.
  • Condenser: Typically a Liebig or Allihn type (300mm length is standard) that sits atop the receiver to cool vapors back into liquid.
  • Joints: Most professional units use standardized 24/29 or 24/40 ground glass joints for leak-proof connections.
Two Specific Types by Oil Density
Because different essential oils behave differently in water, you must choose the apparatus based on the oil's density: 
  • For Oils Lighter Than Water: The most common version (e.g., lavender, citrus, peppermint). The oil floats on top of the water in the graduated tube while excess water overflows through a return arm back to the flask.
  • For Oils Heavier Than Water: Used for specific oils like clove or cinnamon. The design allows the denser oil to sink to the bottom of the graduated receiver while the lighter water layer returns to the boiling flask from a higher point.
How the Process Works
  1. Heating: The plant material is boiled in water within the flask.
  2. Vaporization: Steam carries the volatile essential oils upward into the condenser.
  3. Condensation: The vapors cool and drip into the graduated receiver.
  4. Separation: Due to density differences, the oil and water separate into two layers.
  5. Recycling: The water is automatically siphoned back into the boiling flask, allowing for a continuous distillation that can last several hours to maximize yield.

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At SmartLabs, we only stock equipment we'd trust in our own labs and classrooms. If a product arrives faulty or doesn't match its description, let us know and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a refund. Our goal is for every order to work exactly as it should, the first time.