Lab Bites | Six Tips for Extraction

16 Dec.,2024

 

Lab Bites | Six Tips for Extraction

Extraction is a separation process where certain substances of a solid or a liquid mixture are dissolved or washed by a liquid solvent. One of the most used types of extraction in the food analysis is solid-liquid extraction. Here, certain compounds are dissolved out from a solid material by a liquid solvent to form a solution. The method is used for various food-related applications including:

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  • Fat extraction and determination for quality control, ingredient labeling purposes
  • Analysis of undesired contaminants and residues in raw materials and final products
  • Quality control of packaging material

In all these cases, the extraction occurs because of the solubility of the target compounds in the solvent.  The design and operation of the extraction process and the relative method with the selected equipment are critical to achieving a cost-effective extraction process.

6 tips for optimizing your solid-liquid extraction

  1. Consider solubility of the specific substances in the solvent &#; for example, vegetable oils consisting of triglycerides of fatty acids can be extracted with hexane, whereas for free fatty acids extraction, more polar alcohols are used.
  2. Choose solvents with lower viscosity &#; Low viscosity results in faster diffusion rates in the solvent phase.
  3. Consider pretreatment steps, such as grinding of raw material to increase contact between the solvent and solid matrix. Extraction efficiency increases with decreasing particle size. For example, oleaginous materials, such as soybeans can be formed into flakes to reduce their thickness and the distance and number of cell walls.
  4. The water in the solid material can compete with the extraction solvent, negatively affecting extraction rates. Because of this, the sample material is typically dried under conditions that do not cause any compound degradation.
  5.  Select the temperature to be high enough to give higher solubility of solute in solvents, but not so high as to cause co-extraction of undesirable constituents, or damage of sensitive analytes.
  6. Choose the most appropriate solvent extraction method for maximal turnover of solvent or increased contact time with sample matrix. Possible solvent extraction methods include Soxhlet, Warm-Soxhlet, Hot extraction, Twisselmann and Continuous flow extractions.

SER 158 Series Automatic Solvent Extractor

The SER 158 operates fully automatically and unattended, and with connectivity to the VELP Ermes cloud platform , you can monitor and control your analyses from a virtual dashboard, anytime, anywhere , even remotely. This means less time on routine checks and easy data downloads at your convenience. Access VELP Ermes on your PC, smartphone, or tablet for:

Cloud technology to raise the bar of automation

The SER 158&#;s compact design maximizes valuable lab space , fitting seamlessly under the fume hood. VELP's extractors deliver best-in-class space savings , combining fully automated analysis steps and solvent management in a minimal footprint .

Compact design to save space in your lab

VELP's patent-pending titanium condensers guarantee unparalleled solvent recovery rates of more than 90% , efficiently collected in the cooled recovery tank. For most fat extraction applications, the recovered solvent can be reused, significantly cutting down operating costs . Further cost savings are achieved through minimal cooling water consumption (starting from 1l/min) and independent heater control, allowing for selective on/off operation.

The SER 158's safe SolventXpress&#; technology allows smart solvent dispensing , guaranteeing minimum exposure to solvents and operator safety . At the end of each analysis, the condensed solvent is automatically collected in the cooled recovery tank at the back of the unit. Solvent output is managed by a simple, one-click command on the ControlPad&#;. Hermetically sealed and equipped with a protective transparent cover, the SER 158 safeguards against spills and hot solvent exposure . Advanced sensors continuously monitor the extraction process for safe, seamless operation at every step . With SafeEnd&#; technology , the SER 158 automatically lifts extraction cups after the "removing" step, preventing extracted matter from burning .

The SER 158&#;s exclusive 7" ControlPad TM offers a highly intuitive User Interface, simplifying setup and interaction with the analyzer. Engineered for 24/7 unattended operation , the SER 158 leverages the Load&Go technologies, minimizing the need for manual intervention . The integrated, removable ControlPad TM supports connection with a balance and barcode reader, maximizing automation and ensuring full traceability . Choose from a library of pre-installed methods , create new ones, and mark your favorites for a fast start-up . The ControlPad&#; displays each extraction step in real-time, providing a comprehensive set of information and options. Results are immediately calculated and stored in the on-board memory . With three USB ports and an Ethernet connection, data can be easily exported to external devices for seamless integration.

Smart and easy to use

The SER 158 is a universal solvent extractor andenables you

The SER 158 Series stands out for its versatility, designed to handle all sample types and sizes with a complete range of accessories and consumables:

The SER 158 Series automatic solvent extractors, available in 3- and 6-position models, provide precise and accurate solutions for both quantitative and qualitative extractable matter determination according to the Randall method, analyzing up to 5 times faster than traditional Soxhlet extraction . The solid-liquid extraction process efficiently removes soluble components from solids through 5 sequential steps. The SER 158 works in compliance with international standards , including s AOAC, ISO, EPA, APHA, UNI. With robust heating, advanced software, and integrated safety features, the SER 158 ensures reproducible extraction results . The SER 158 is fully automated to maximize productivity and free operator time . Just Load&Go!

The SER 158 automatic solvent extractor is equipped with a wide range of accessories designed to make its daily use as easy as possible and guarantee a high versatility of use. Choose your preferred size of glasses and thimbles as well as gaskets made of high-quality materials that can be adapted to any application, as in the case of the high-quality Vaflon, which is suitable for a very wide range of solvents. In addition to the standard accessories, the SER 158 extractor has several optional accessories to satisfy every need and guarantee the execution of the analysis in maximum safety.

Our compliance to statutory rules and regulations worldwide. With the CE mark, VELP Scientifica declares that the products are designed and manufactured in compliance with the essential safety requirements of the European Directive on Safety. The Certification Body (CB) Certificate is an international program created by the IECEE for the acceptance of product safety test results among participating laboratories and certification organizations around the world. The cNEMKOus mark ensures this product is designed and manufactured in compliance with the International Directive on Safety IEC/EN -1. The cNEMKOus mark has the same legal status as any other NRTL/SCC accredited marks, for U.S. and Canada.

Our compliance to statutory rules and regulations worldwide. With the CE mark, VELP Scientifica declares that the products are designed and manufactured in compliance with the essential safety requirements of the European Directive on Safety. The Certification Body (CB) Certificate is an international program created by the IECEE for the acceptance of product safety test results among participating laboratories and certification organizations around the world. The cNEMKOus mark ensures this product is designed and manufactured in compliance with the International Directive on Safety IEC/EN -1. The cNEMKOus mark has the same legal status as any other NRTL/SCC accredited marks, for U.S. and Canada.

Choose among a comprehensive library of Application Notes / White Papers and learn more on how to optimize the performance of your VELP instruments. These documents offer typical analyses of well-known samples, together with official references and suggestions, to make you an expert!

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Choose among a comprehensive library of Application Notes / White Papers and learn more on how to optimize the performance of your VELP instruments. These documents offer typical analyses of well-known samples, together with official references and suggestions, to make you an expert!

Select the category of products you are interested in and this tool will give you an easy overview of what is available at VELP in order to find the product that is perfect for you. These comparison tables provide a brief description with side by side features from basic equipment to the most advanced analytical solutions.

Select the category of products you are interested in and this tool will give you an easy overview of what is available at VELP in order to find the product that is perfect for you. These comparison tables provide a brief description with side by side features from basic equipment to the most advanced analytical solutions.

VELP Scientifica invites you to download brochures and leaflets in order to explore our premium quality solutions and to have all the major key arguments, features and specifications of a product in your hands, in any place, and at any time.

VELP Scientifica invites you to download brochures and leaflets in order to explore our premium quality solutions and to have all the major key arguments, features and specifications of a product in your hands, in any place, and at any time.

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FAQ

Check technical sheets with answers to most frequently asked questions

How to choose the correct extraction cup?

How to choose the correct thimble?

VELP offers thimbles that differ in size and material. 

Cellulose extraction thimbles are produced from high-quality cellulose and have excellent mechanical strength and retention; they are generally used for gravimetric determination of the extracted matter. When it comes to qualitative analysis glass fiber thimbles guarantee no substances release and, therefore, maximum accuracy. 

Instead, the choice of size is strictly correlated to the amount of sample that has to be analyzed.

How to choose the correct gasket?



Check the gasket comparison table to learn more.

The gaskets are related to the solvent used for extraction. Vaflon gaskets are universally applicable.