Neroli Oil Extraction Method
The first step of neroli oil extraction is to put the waxy-white blossoms in a tightly sealed distillation chamber to minimize the loss of oil prior to the extraction. Steam is then injected into the chamber and provides a great amount of heat to break the plant tissues. This breakage allows the release of essential oils from the plant cells. The volatility of these essential oils will make them evaporate and mix with the steam in the chamber. In order to separate the essential oil from the vapor, it is necessary to bring the mixture back to its liquid form. This can be done by passing the mixture (oil and vapor) through a pipe into a cooling tank so that both oil and vapor will condense. Through a second distillation or evaporation method, the pure neroli oil could then be isolated sucessfully from the water.
Rose Absolute Extraction Method
To produce rose absolute, the rose flowers are placed in a chamber and are slowly saturated with a hydrocarbon solvent. These solvents will dissolve the plant materials including essential oils, fatty acids and waxes. After the solvent is distilled off, the remaining solid substance is called a concrete. Pure alcohol is then added onto the concrete for dissolving and absorbing the fragrant materials. Since both fatty acids and waxes are not alcohol soluble, they will precipitate out and can be easily removed by simple filtration. As a result, the tank will contain only rose absolute and alcohol. Through an evaporation, alcohol could be effectively removed and pure rose absolute would be eventually yield. (1 & 5)
Source:http://www.wsu.edu/~gmhyde/433_web_pages/433Oil-web-pages/essence/essence-oils.html
