Soxhlet Extraction Unit in Patna
 
                 
                
                
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:-
 
- Temperature control (thermostat, PID controller etc.) to maintain the right boiling/reflux conditions.
 - Energy or power regulators etc.
 - 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.
 
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 Parameters  | 
 Typical Range / Options  | 
| 
 Number of parallel tests/positions 
  | 
 1, 3, 6 units (for doing more than one sample simultaneously)  | 
| 
 Flask size (Solvent/boiling flask)  | 
 ~ 50 ml up to several liters depending on size  | 
| 
 Sample (extractor chamber) capacity  | 
 Similar to flask – depends on sample volume/rate needed  | 
| 
 Max temperature / operating temperature  | 
 Some units go up to ~ 300-450°C for certain solvent systems or special glassware  | 
| 
 Solvent recovery / closed system considerations  | 
 Some units are designed to recover > 80-90% of the solvent; some are automated to reduce loss and improve safety.  | 
| 
 Power supply  | 
 Often 220-230 V AC, 50/60 Hz in many models; power rating depends on number of units and heating type.  | 
| 
 Materials  | 
 Glassware (borosilicate etc.), metal frame (often mild steel), sometimes powder coated or epoxy coated for durability and resistance.  | 
| 
 Heating type  | 
 Mantle, hot-plate, or water/oil bath.  |