Essential Oils Production Technology and Economics

This book has been conceptualized in a way that attempts to address problems facing essential oil producers mostly in the developing nations. It is also intended for three categories of readers. First, entrepreneurs or potential investors in the essential oil industry with the sole aim of understanding the market dynamics of essential oils as well as the possibility of exploiting the opportunities therein. Secondly, members of the academia made up of Faculty members and students especially those in the second year of their program in understanding practical application of basic process equipment design equations in the design of essential oil extraction process plant from experimentally generated data (scale-up). Thirdly, policy makers will be able to understand the global market scenario and provide appropriate legislations (laws) on the industry aimed in taking advantage of its huge potential especially in the African continent. The book comprises of ten chapters. Chapter one is a general introduction to essential oil, history of essential oil, production process, applications and major players in the industry. Chapter two presents market potential of essential oils, world’s production, demand, consumption and supply. The chapter also examines Africa’s contribution to the industry with specific focus on Nigeria. Chapter three presents various raw materials used in essential oil production and narrowed them to some specific plants which are commonly found in the African continent. Effect of storage period and condition of aromatic plants on oil yields as well as its physio-chemical properties and mathematical model for the prediction of oil yield as a function of storage period and condition have also been presented. Chapter four introduces different extraction techniques of essential oil from aromatic plants whereas Chapter five dwells more on the steam distillation extraction technique which accounts for more than fifty percent of all essential oils produced. Chapter six discusses basic theory of process equipment design and its applications in the design of steam distillation extraction plant. Design problems were also presented and solved. Chapter seven provides materials needed for the fabrication of process equipment designed in Chapter six and basis for their selection. It also gives fabrication and installation technique including comprehensive list of materials and accessories needed for the fabrication of the steam distillation plant. Chapter eight deals with the plant operation, safety, troubleshooting as well as Do’s and Don’ts of the plant. This will ensure high level of safety during plant operation if strictly adhered to. The Quality of an essential oil is of high importance in determining its price. High quality oil attracts high price and vice versa. Therefore, Chapter nine presents step by step procedure and equipment needed to determine various physio-chemical parameters of essential oil produced in order to ascertain its quality. this is very important to any essential oil producer. The Chapter also presents International Standard (ISO) of some common essential oils which can be used as a benchmark by the essential oil producers. Various techniques and analytical equipment for physio-chemical parameters determinations have also been presented. Many entrepreneurs especially in the developing nations are deterring from venturing into this multi-billion dollar industry believing that the business is not profitable owing to low yield of the oil. Chapter ten deals with economics of essential oil production based on the practical data generated from the designed pilot plant in Chapter six and shows the viability or otherwise of the business. A large number of materials have been consulted in writing this book many of which are presented in the reference section. The reader is enjoined to consult these materials up on further reading in the relevant subject area.