SXT-02 Soxhlet Extractor

Overview

The SXT-02 Soxhlet Extractor is an engineered laboratory instrument designed for continuous solid-liquid extraction based on the classical Soxhlet principle. It operates by cyclically percolating hot solvent vapor through a solid sample contained in a thimble, followed by condensation and reflux into the extraction chamber—enabling repeated dissolution and concentration of analytes (e.g., lipids, waxes, or organic contaminants) with high reproducibility. This gravimetric extraction method is standardized under multiple international protocols including AOAC Official Method 920.39, ISO 6496:1999 (Animal feeding stuffs — Determination of ether extract), and GB/T 5512–2008 (Chinese national standard for cereal and oilseed fat determination). The SXT-02 integrates three functional modules—controlled heating & extraction, solvent reflux/condensation, and automated solvent recovery—into a compact, benchtop architecture optimized for routine quality control and regulatory-compliant analysis in food, feed, oilseed, and environmental laboratories.

Key Features

• Dual-sample configuration enables parallel processing of two independent samples per cycle, improving throughput without cross-contamination.
• Precise digital temperature regulation (±1 °C accuracy) across a range of +5 °C above ambient to 100 °C, compatible with common solvents including petroleum ether (bp ~40–60 °C), diethyl ether (bp 34.6 °C), and chloroform (bp 61.2 °C).
• Integrated solvent recovery system captures and returns condensed vapors directly to the heating flask, minimizing solvent consumption, reducing hazardous waste generation, and supporting GLP-aligned lab practices.
• Dedicated timer with programmable duration and audible end-of-cycle alert ensures consistent extraction kinetics and eliminates manual monitoring.
• Stainless steel heating mantle and borosilicate glass components (extraction thimbles, condensers, flasks) ensure chemical resistance, thermal stability, and long-term mechanical integrity.
• Compact footprint (750 × 360 × 550 mm) and lightweight design (16 kg) facilitate integration into constrained fume hood spaces or shared analytical workstations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SXT-02 accommodates heterogeneous solid matrices including ground cereals, pelleted animal feed, oilseeds (e.g., soybean, rapeseed), soil cores, and dried botanical materials. Each extraction flask (500 mL capacity) supports sample masses from 0.5 g to 20 g—optimized for both low-fat matrices (e.g., wheat flour) and high-lipid samples (e.g., sunflower seeds). All wetted parts comply with USP Class VI and ISO 10993 biocompatibility guidelines for glassware. The system meets electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1:2010 (Equipment for laboratory use) and is suitable for operation in environments adhering to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4 (equipment verification and calibration). While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant (as it lacks electronic audit trail functionality), its operational parameters are fully documentable via external lab notebooks or LIMS-integrated workflows for FDA-regulated applications.

Software & Data Management

The SXT-02 operates as a standalone hardware platform with no embedded microprocessor or digital interface; all parameter settings—including heating setpoint, timer duration, and visual status indicators—are managed via analog dials and LED feedback. This architecture eliminates firmware validation burdens and simplifies IQ/OQ documentation for regulated labs. Users maintain full traceability by recording extraction conditions (solvent type, mass, time, temperature) manually or within validated electronic lab notebooks (ELN). For laboratories requiring automated data capture, optional third-party USB-connected temperature loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300) can be deployed alongside the unit to generate time-stamped thermal profiles compliant with GLP Annex 11 and EU GMP Annex 11 expectations.

Applications

• Fat content determination in raw and processed foods per AOAC 991.36 and ISO 1444–1:2000.
• Cradle-to-gate lipid yield assessment in oilseed breeding programs and biodiesel feedstock qualification.
• Residual solvent quantification in pharmaceutical excipients following ICH Q5C guidelines.
• Organic pollutant extraction (e.g., PAHs, PCBs) from soil and sediment prior to GC-MS analysis (EPA Method 3541).
• Crude fiber and ether-soluble fraction isolation in animal nutrition research (AOAC 962.09).

FAQ

What solvents are compatible with the SXT-02?
Petroleum ether, diethyl ether, chloroform, hexane, and dichloromethane—provided their boiling points fall within the instrument’s controllable range (+5 °C to 100 °C) and are handled inside a certified fume hood.
Does the SXT-02 require calibration?
Yes—temperature sensors should be verified annually using a NIST-traceable thermometer; extraction flask volumes must be calibrated per ISO/IEC 17025 Section 6.4.3 prior to first use and after any maintenance event.
Can the SXT-02 be used for non-fat extractions?
Yes—its modular design supports extraction of alkaloids, pigments, antioxidants, and other semi-volatile organics when paired with appropriate solvent selection and method validation.
Is assembly required upon delivery?
No—the unit ships fully assembled with pre-installed glassware; users need only connect the cooling water supply to the condenser inlet/outlet ports and verify electrical grounding before initial operation.
What maintenance is recommended?
Weekly inspection of condenser tubing for scale buildup, monthly cleaning of the heating mantle surface with non-abrasive ethanol wipes, and annual replacement of silicone gaskets at all glass-joint interfaces to maintain vacuum integrity during reflux.