Principles of Operation

The PLE™ (Pressurized Liquid extraction) works similar to Soxhlet extraction, with the exception that during the extraction process the solvents inside the PLE™ extraction cartridge are near their supercritical region which has high extraction properties. In the physical region the high temperature makes possible the high solubility and high diffusion rate while the high pressure keeps the solvent below its boiling point. At high pressures and high temperatures the solvents penetrate the solid samples at a much higher rate permitting a fast and efficient extraction process with minimal solvent usage.

To operate the PLE™, 5 to 100 grams of the sample is mixed with sodium sulfate, loaded in the extraction cartridge and capped with two disposable filtration end fittings. The extraction cartridges are clamped inside the unique and easy to use PLE™ cartridge seal cups. Upon pressing the start key, the HPLC pump dispenses the organic solvent of choice, such as Hexane, DCM, Toluene, etc., into the extraction cartridges. The PLE™ control system then starts the pressurization and heating of the samples. The pressure is maintained at 1500-3000 PSI, and at temperature 70-200 C degrees. Depending on the method, the extracted solvent containing target analytes is then transferred to the Power-Prep for column clean up or collected in collection vessels.

For additional information please click here.