Hydrodistillation of caraway by direct induction heating assisted by a magnetic field process

This paper presents the development of a new method of hydrodistillation of the essential oil of caraway (Carum carvi L.) by direct induction beating assisted by magnetic field (DIHMF) and the development of the required apparatus. Water and food salt (99.8% sodium chloride) were used as electrolyte solutions and at the same time as an extractant solution. The method was tested on caraway fruits as a source of carvone and limonene as the main components. The essential oil of this fruit was also isolated by conventional hydrodistillation as a standard method on both laboratory and pilot scale. The isolated volatile products obtained by the two methods were analysed using gas chromatography (GC). The obtained results were then compared. Even though DIHMF hydrodistillation ensures the isolation of the essential oils as well as conventional hydrodistillation, the time required to obtain the isolated products is remarkably shorter.