Utilization of Geothermal Brine Heat to Produce Essential Oil of Commodities Plants Through Steaming Process

Abstract

Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) operates in several regions in Indonesia, one of which is in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. These areas are surrounded by tropical plantations managed by local farmers for their living. Mainly the plant commodities crops are cultivated for months then the crops are dried before being distributed to the nearest market. Some of the primary commodities in North Sulawesi are Cloves and Ornamental Plants. Currently, the commodity of clove itself is sold as it is without experiencing any process to obtain derivative products. Similar condition to ornamental plants, plants that are harvested and only sold locally and sometimes have withered before selling to customers. PGE takes responsibility to improve this issue by adding value to crops through community empowerment programs. This program utilizes brine geothermal energy to extract commodities, particularly cloves and ornamental plants by using a reactor to produce essential oils. Cloves or ornamental plants that are heated in the reactor will produce steam which is further condensed to get essential oils. Extraction is carried out using a steaming method that operates at least 95 degrees Celsius and 1 atm. The results obtained 10 ml with the average heating time for 90 minutes. This process could add value to commodities through derivative products to be traded in larger markets without incurring additional costs. In addition, this activity also increases the direct use of excess heat from geothermal energy.