Comparison of the separation process of crude citronella oil using vacuum fractionation distillation on a pilot plant scale and laboratory scale

Abstract Crude citronella oil contains a mixture of components such as group hydrocarbon monoterpenes compounds, oxygenated monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. Therefore, it has low economic value functional value. A single component with high purity can be obtained through chemical physical properties analysis. Based on the constituent oil, boiling points each are quite adjacent so that separated by fractionation distillation process. This study aims at determining optimum condition (temperature, pressure, reflux ratio) pilot plant scale 8 meters column capacity 200kg (raschig ring packing; temperature range 115-118°C 118-121°C, ratio 4:1 2:1) comparing to laboratory 2:1). Although produced good quality rhodinol 85% purity, scale-up version still cannot occupied. For citronellal fraction, both process poor only 50% purity. occurred due different dimensions lead higher pressure drop. drop will change conditions.