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Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus
Precision-Calibrated Siphon Geometry: Engineered with a specialized vapor path and siphon tube diameter to maintain consistent cycle timing, ensuring optimal solvent-to-sample contact without premature drainage.
CNC-Ground Interchangeable Joints: Features standardized 1:10 taper interfaces with high-vacuum matte finishes, providing a hermetic, leak-proof seal that prevents solvent vapor loss during long-duration extraction cycles.
₹760.00
Quick Answer: A Soxhlet extraction apparatus is a glass assembly of a boiling flask, an extractor body holding a thimble of solid sample, and a reflux condenser. Freshly condensed solvent repeatedly soaks the sample and siphons back to the flask, extracting fats, oils and other soluble compounds continuously.
The Siphon Cycle
Franz von Soxhlet described the extractor in 1879 for measuring fat in milk, and the design is still standard. Solvent boils in the flask, and its vapour rises through a side tube into the top of the extractor and on into the condenser. The condensed solvent drips onto a thimble of porous paper or cellulose holding the ground sample, gradually filling the chamber around it.
When the liquid reaches the top of the siphon tube, the whole chamber empties back into the flask in one rush, carrying the dissolved material with it, and the cycle repeats. Because the extracted compounds do not evaporate, they accumulate in the flask while the sample is always washed with freshly distilled solvent. That makes the method far more efficient than soaking the sample once in the same volume of solvent.
A complete set normally has these three parts, and joint sizes must match between them; the listing does not state the capacity or whether thimbles are included. The Allihn condenser for Soxhlet apparatus is available separately, and the solvent can be reclaimed afterwards with a recovery assembly.
Care & Handling
- Grind the sample and dry it first, as water slows extraction with non-polar solvents.
- Fill the thimble below the top of the siphon tube and plug it with a little cotton or glass wool so particles are not carried into the flask.
- Charge the flask with enough solvent for one full siphon plus a reserve, so it never boils dry during a cycle.
- Clamp the flask and the condenser separately and support the tall assembly firmly on its stand.
Applications
- Determination of crude fat in foods, oilseeds and animal feeds with petroleum ether or hexane
- Extracting oil from groundnuts, soybeans or mustard seed in food science practicals
- Isolating natural products for pharmacognosy and organic chemistry projects
- Extracting additives or residues from soils and polymers in environmental and materials analysis
Specifications
| Principle | Continuous solid-liquid extraction with recycled, freshly distilled solvent |
| Main parts | Round-bottom flask, extractor with siphon and vapour tube, reflux condenser |
| Sample holder | Porous thimble, usually cellulose |
| Heating | Heating mantle or water bath |
| Capacity and joint sizes | Confirm at enquiry |
Why Choose LabEquip
Food testing, oilseed and agricultural laboratories run Soxhlet extractions every day, and colleges need sets that students can assemble themselves. LabEquip supplies the Soxhlet extraction apparatus with its chemistry lab equipment; give the extractor capacity and quantity through the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Soxhlet extraction better than simply soaking the sample?
Soaking stops once the solvent is saturated. In a Soxhlet the sample is repeatedly washed with fresh distilled solvent while the extract collects in the flask, so extraction continues until the soluble material is removed, using a modest volume of solvent.
How long does an extraction take?
Methods commonly specify several hours, depending on the sample and solvent. Fat determinations are usually run for a set time or number of siphon cycles given in the standard method being followed.
What is the thimble made of?
Usually thick cellulose paper, which lets solvent pass but holds the ground sample. Glass fibre thimbles are used for higher temperatures or when cellulose would interfere.
Why does the extractor not siphon?
The solvent may be condensing too slowly to fill the chamber, the siphon tube may be cracked or blocked, or the solvent volume may be too low. Increase the heat slightly and check that the vapour tube is clear.
How is fat content calculated?
The flask is weighed before the extraction. After the solvent is recovered and the flask dried, it is weighed again; the gain in mass is the fat extracted, expressed as a percentage of the original sample mass.
Can the apparatus be left running unattended?
Only with suitable precautions: a thermostatic heating mantle, a secure water supply with tubing clipped on, and no open flame. Many laboratories do not allow flammable solvent extractions to run unattended at all.
Last Updated: September 2026
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