In the Lab: Creating a Simple Still for Home Distillation/Extraction of Essential Oils
By Dennis Klocek 2 min read
In this detailed tutorial, Dennis demonstrates how to convert a standard four-gallon pressure cooker into an effective essential oil distilling apparatus. (For more on its use, see our video In the Lab: Using a Simple Still for Home Extraction of Essential Oils.)
The video covers the conversion process, including creating a custom adapter for the pressure cooker, setting up a Vigreux Column separator and Clevenger device, and the operation of the still. The process involves detailed steps like drilling the cooker lid, assembling the adapter using gas fittings from a hardware store, and ensuring the system’s effectiveness and safety. This step-by-step guide is perfect for anyone interested in harvesting high-quality essential oils from plants at home.
- 00:00 Introduction
- 02:56 Operation of the still
- 05:34 Schematic Overview
- 11:46 Drilling the lid
- 18:02 Gas fittings in lid
- 27:04 From gas fittings to glass
- 34:13 Easily taking the still apart to re-charge
Parts List
- Pressure cooker- Sitram stainless steel 13 liter (approx. 4 gal ) (example is 10L
- Glass
- Glass Accessories
- 18mm hole saw (example)
Adapter Parts – Printable Adapter Parts list and Instructions (PDF)
- Vinyl tubing (ID = Inner Diameter; OD = Outer Diameter)
- Hose clamps (x2)
- Gas fittings
Addendum: Sealing the gaps
Dennis Klocek
Dennis Klocek, MFA, is co-founder of the Coros Institute, an internationally renowned lecturer, and teacher. He is the author of nine books, including the newly released Colors of the Soul; Esoteric Physiology and also Sacred Agriculture: The Alchemy of Biodynamics. He regularly shares his alchemical, spiritual, and scientific insights at soilsoulandspirit.com.
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Whoa. Thank you!! I knew there as a soulful connection and why your information chimed in and touched my heart. Thank you Dennis this is so welcomed and am looking forward to exploring a new adventure into the unknown. Much love.
thank you for this info ! Im wondering what the water pump is ? can you give me a link please ? thanks again !
Hi Roisin, Dennis said, “No brand, but 120 GPH capacity keeps a 14 inch capacity condenser cool in a 5 gal bucket for a few hours.”
Greetings! I enjoy learning about this process and have already ordered some of the material & equipment mentioned here. I am curious .. since the video doesn’t show it .. and there was no mention in the parts list .. is there a “Glass Stopper” of some kind that is supposed to fit in the top of the condenser? If so that might want to be added to the parts list.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom!
~ Merwin.
In thinking about my question about whether there should be a glass closure at the top of the Condenser .. it’s probably unnecessary .. and would keep the distillation process from working properly. There has to be an opening or pressure could build up in the system. I do understand some of the principles involved with the varying levels of purity etc. as the steam moves up through the condenser.
~ Merwin.