Soxhlet Extraction Unit

A Soxhlet Extraction Unit is a laboratory apparatus used to extract soluble compounds (often lipids, oils, fats, or other desired compounds) from a solid material using a solvent. The process is continuous: solvent vaporizes, condenses, drips over the solid sample, dissolves the solute, and then returns (by siphoning) to the boiling flask — repeating the cycle many times.

Main Components

• Boiling Flask: - Contains the solvent. When heated, the solvent vaporizes.
• Soxhlet Extractor Body: - Has a chamber to hold a thimble (or other container) containing the solid sample. Solvent vapor enters, condenses and drips over the sample.
• Condenser: - Cools the solvent vapour, so it condenses and returns into the extractor chamber.
• Thimble: - A porous, usually filter-paper or cellulose one, which holds the solid sample and prevents solid particles from being washed into the boiling flask.
• Heating System: - Could be a heating mantle, hot-plate, or bath (water or oil) depending on the design. It provides the heat to vaporize the solvent.
• Support Structure / Frame: - Holds up the glassware securely — includes clamps, rods (vertical & horizontal), boss heads etc. Also, often a housing that may offer safety features.
• Control / Regulation:- 

1. Temperature control (thermostat, PID controller etc.) to maintain the right boiling/reflux conditions.
2. Energy or power regulators etc.
3. Sometimes timer or automation in more advanced units.

• Cooling Water System:- To circulate water through the condenser to enable condensation of solvent vapours. The flow rate may be specified.