Design and Fabrication of a Small-Scale Dual-Purpose Essential Oil Extractor

This research paper presents the design and fabrication of a locally fabricated small-scale dual-purpose essential oil extractor, capable of performing both steam distillation and hydrodistillation.The design aims to address the growing global demand for essential oils, projected to reach $24.16 billion by 2032, driven by their diverse applications in aromatherapy, cosmetics, food preservation, and pharmaceuticals.The essential oil extractor was fabricated using stainless steel for its corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and hygienic properties, ensuring the quality and durability of the extracted oils.The system was tested using fresh lemongrass, yielding 0.42% essential oil through steam distillation.The chemical composition of the oil was analyzed using GC-MS, identifying trans-Carveol (35.22%) and Geranial Citral (20.24%) as the major compounds.The high presence of these compounds suggests that the extracted oil has strong aromatic and flavoring properties, with potential uses in the fragrance, food, and cosmetic industries.This study demonstrates the feasibility of producing high-quality essential oils using a locally fabricated, cost-effective extractor suitable for domestic and small industrial applications.