I use a mixture of hexane and methanol for lipid extraction. when i carry out the soxhlet extraction, the solvent keeps escaping through the condenser outlet as time passes. How do I avoid this volume reduction?Should i plug the condenser outlet? or should i keep adding fresh solvent till my extraction is complete? please help.
I think you should decrease the temperature. If you plug the condenser outlet, an explosion may occur because of the high pressure inside closed system. I suggest insertion of an air-condenser in the outlet of the condenser.
As Dr. Kamel pointed out, you can decrease the temperature
or you can try increase the height of your condenser. Pls also check whether there is sufficient flow of water through the condenser.
Dear Alisha,
Why would you use methanol for extraction of lipids? At least I have not seen this before. First of all methanol is too polar; part of your problem would be the heat capacity of methanol; it's could be/partly responsible for the escaping hexane. Could you try using hexane alone. I will like to know your result. Cheers!
Circulate ice-cold water through the condenser, I used this approach with methylene chloride as the extraction solvent and worked well.
Continuous circulation of chilled water through condenser will help you...Also optimize your temperature.
A similar problem occurs in essential oil distillation from aromatic plants employing Clevenger trap. Check the following thread and responses from experts.
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Did_anyone_analyse_the_essential_oil_components_present_in_the_vapors_escaping_from_Clevenger_hydro-distillation_condenser_vent
use reflux condenser with more lenght,, also use cold water having rapid circulation............
SLOWARING TEMPERATURE MAY INCREASE THE TIME FOR EXTRACTION, INSTEAD OF THAT MAY USE COLD WATER FOR CONDENSATION IN CONDENSER
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