[iberhammer]

Hello,
I have a question regarding steam distillation. I want to steam distill roots to obtain the oil stored in them. But the roots came veerrryyy ground up. They said to have one flask boiling water at about 100 degrees and have the RBF at the SAME temperature. Then you stick the hose from the closed flask into the bottom of the RBF and put the roots ontop. Then run the condenser and in the receiving flask you'd get water and oil mixture.

My question is do i put some water with the roots? because i just dont see how steam can pass through the finely ground root particles. Or maybe I just can't imagine it clearly? Also is it necessary to have two hot plates?? Why not just one boiling the water and that's it? If this question could be answered, I would be highly thankful. Thank you and I look forward to using this forum as my main one if all works out well 

[iberhammer]

or should i put a handful of clay balls in the bottom of the RBF, put the hose under that, then put the root powder ontop of that? that would allow for steam to pass??? not sure lol