Effective heat transfer coefficients and mass transfer rates were determined at varying compositions of steam with 1.5% by weight volatile oils entrained in an air flow. The mixture of volatile oils is comprised of 50% menthol, 25% menthone, and other fractions of essential oils. The rate of transient mass transfer,...
Steam distillation is the traditional method used for the extraction of peppermint oil. This process is able to remove approximately 20% of the oils from the leaves of the plant. It is a very costly and un-sustainable process due to the release of carbon emissions. Solvent free microwave extraction promises...