LT3000 & KD5 Hydrosol Distillation Guide

PDF version is available for downlaod.

Before You Start

Tools Needed:

• Scoop (for removing hot water from the condenser)

• Measuring cup

• Collector bottle (for hydrosol)

Safety Equipment:

• Heat proof gloves

• Safety goggles

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

1. Wash the pot and herb column thoroughly with warm water and mild soap.

2. Dry them completely using a paper towel.

3. Apply a thin layer of vegetable or olive oil to the top screw edge of the pot.

• This helps lubricate the connection between the pot and herb column for easier assembly.

Step 2: Add Water

1. Pour 1.5 liters (about 6¼ cups) of filtered or distilled water into the pot.

• Using clean water ensures better hydrosol quality.

Step 3: Load the Herbs

1. Place your loosely packed herbs into the herb column.

• You can fill anywhere from half full to just below the top screw line.

2. Always secure the top with the sieve plate to keep the herbs in place.

• ⚠️ See the “Important Notes” image before proceeding.

Step 4: Assemble the Condenser

1. Position the condenser slightly elevated, so you can easily place your collector bottle under the spout.

2. Connect the tubing between the herb column and the condenser securely.

Step 5: Prepare Cooling for Condensation

1. Add 2 cups of water into the condenser.

2. Fill the rest with ice cubes.

3. Keep a large bag of ice nearby for refills.

• During distillation, the water inside will get hot — scoop out the hot water and add more ice as needed.

Step 6: Start Heating

1. Place the pot on a hot plate.

2. Set the heat to medium-low.

• Lower heat helps produce higher-quality hydrosol and prevents overheating.

Step 7: Watch the Distillation

1. After a few minutes, you’ll hear gentle boiling sounds.

2. The tubing connecting to the condenser will become very hot — do not touch it with bare hands.

3. As steam condenses, ice will begin to melt, and hydrosol will start dripping from the spout.

Step 8: Collect the Hydrosol

1. For LT3000: with one full column of herbs, collect about 1 liter (4 cups) of hydrosol.

• with half a column, collect about 0.5 liter (2 cups).

2. For KD5: with one full column of herbs, collect about 0.5 liter (2 cups) of hydrosol.

• with half a column, collect about 0.25 liter (1 cups).

3. Always ensure there is at least 0.5 liter (2 cups) of water left in the pot when you finish.

   • Example: If you started with 1.5 liters of water, stop collecting at 1 liter of hydrosol.

✅ Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh or freshly dried herbs for richer aroma and properties.

• Do not overpack the herb column — steam needs room to circulate.

• Replace melted ice regularly to keep the condenser cool.