Steam distillation is a classical separation technique, useful for preparing extracts for analysis by gas chromatography GC/MS or GC/IR. Distillates are suitable for analysis according to Test Method E 1387 or Guide E 1618.

The visible oily liquid extract can be used as a courtroom exhibit, unlike extracts produced by other separation procedures which are solutions rather than a neat liquid.

This practice is not useful for the separation of water soluble ignitable liquids such as alcohols or ketones.

Alternate separation and concentration methods are suggested if the concentration of flammable or combustible liquid residues is not detectable by odor.

This is a destructive technique that should only be used when a representative portion of the sample can be reserved for reanalysis. Those portions of the sample subjected to this procedure may not be suitable for resampling. Consider using passive headspace concentration as described in Practice E 1412.