A Pilot Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus bridges the gap between laboratory trials and full industrial production. It allows process engineers and formulators to validate extraction recipes, optimize parameters and generate pilot batches under conditions that realistically reflect future manufacturing.
Nanjing Hjchem Equipment Co.,Ltd has developed a pilot-scale Soxhlet extraction system that goes far beyond a single extractor. Our equipment integrates:
Soxhlet extraction
Multi-functional (dynamic circulation) extraction
Vacuum concentration
Solvent recovery
into one modular stainless-steel apparatus. Each subsystem can be combined for linked operation or run independently as a stand-alone system, giving exceptional flexibility for R&D, scale-up and small-scale production.
What Is a Pilot Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus?
A Soxhlet extractor is a device designed for continuous solid–liquid extraction using repeated washing with hot condensed solvent. At lab scale, it is typically made of glass and used for gram-level sample preparation.
A Pilot Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus takes the same fundamental principle and implements it in pilot-scale stainless-steel equipment designed for:
Kilogram-level to small production batches
Realistic process conditions (temperature, vacuum, solvent recycling)
Data collection for scale-up to industrial systems
In the Nanjing Hjchem design, the Pilot Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus is an integrated skid or compact system which typically includes:
Soxhlet extraction system (pilot-scale chamber for repeated washing of solids)
Dynamic circulation extraction system (multi-functional forced-circulation extraction loop)
Vacuum concentration system (for low-temperature concentration and solvent removal)
Solvent recovery system (to recycle and reuse valuable solvents)
All major product-contact parts are fabricated from stainless steel to ensure durability, hygienic operation and compatibility with common extraction solvents such as ethanol–water mixtures.
In our design, the stainless steel Soxhlet extractor is much more than a single vessel. It is a modular, process-integrated system that typically includes:
Extraction tank – for initial solvent boiling, pre-extraction and mixing
Soxhlet extraction tank – where repeated hot solvent percolation over the solids takes place
Vacuum concentration / solvent recovery tank – for concentrating the extract and recycling solvent
Dynamic circulation extraction loop – for multi-functional, forced-circulation extraction modes
Vacuum system – typically a water-ring vacuum pump for reduced-pressure operation
Explosion-proof electrical components and explosion-proof HMI touch-screen control cabinet – for safe, automated operation with flammable solvents
Because all major components are made in stainless steel (SS304 or SS316L depending on process needs), the system is suitable for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, as well as high-value fine chemicals.
Pilot Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus Structure
Integrated Functions – One Pilot Skid, Multiple Extraction Modes
1. Soxhlet Extraction + Multi-Functional Extraction + Vacuum Concentration
The strength of our Pilot Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus is its multi-function integration. Instead of buying separate units for extraction, concentration and solvent recovery, you can operate all key steps from a single modular machine.
2. Pilot Soxhlet Extraction System
The Soxhlet module uses a pilot-sized stainless-steel chamber where:
Solvent is heated and evaporated in a boiling or extraction vessel
Vapor is condensed and directed over the solid bed inside the Soxhlet chamber
The condensed hot solvent washes the solids, dissolving the target components
When the liquid level reaches a certain height, it is automatically siphoned back to the boiling vessel, carrying dissolved extract with it
This cyclic process repeats many times, providing deep, efficient extraction with a relatively small amount of solvent. It is particularly useful when you need to evaluate:
Extraction yield as a function of cycle number
Solvent composition and temperature effects
Transferability of lab Soxhlet methods to larger scale
3. Dynamic Circulation (Multi-Functional) Extraction System
Alongside the Soxhlet module, the dynamic circulation extraction system provides a second extraction mode:
Solvent is pumped through the extraction tank and solid bed in a closed loop
Continuous or semi-continuous circulation improves mass transfer and reduces extraction time
Flow rate, temperature, and extraction time can be precisely tuned
Because the Soxhlet extraction system and dynamic circulation extraction system can be flexibly combined or run separately, you can:
Use Soxhlet mode for deep, cyclic extraction
Use dynamic mode for fast, high-throughput extraction
Combine both approaches in the same pilot campaign to compare performance
This makes the Pilot Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus a truly multi-functional pilot platform, not just a single-purpose machine.
4. Vacuum Concentration and Solvent Recovery
After extraction, the solution typically requires concentration and solvent removal. Our apparatus includes a vacuum concentration system coupled with solvent recovery, so you can:
Transfer extract-rich solvent into a dedicated concentration vessel
Apply vacuum (reduced pressure) to lower the boiling point of the solvent
Concentrate the extract at lower temperatures, protecting heat-sensitive actives
Condense and recover the solvent, returning it to a storage or feed tank for reuse
Because extraction, vacuum concentration and solvent recovery are combined in one pilot system, operators can run a full extraction–concentration cycle without moving intermediate liquids to external equipment. This simplifies operation and improves data quality during process development.
Design Features of Pilot Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1.What is a Pilot Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus?
A Pilot Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus is a pilot-scale machine that applies the Soxhlet extraction principle (repeated washing of solids with hot condensed solvent) using stainless-steel vessels and integrated process systems. The Nanjing Hjchem design combines Soxhlet extraction, dynamic extraction, vacuum concentration and solvent recovery on one skid.
2.Can the subsystems operate independently?
Yes. The Soxhlet extraction system, dynamic circulation extraction system and vacuum concentration / solvent recovery system can be flexibly combined for linked operation or run individually as separate systems, depending on your process and experimental goals.
3. What are the benefits of vacuum reflux extraction?
Vacuum reflux extraction lowers the boiling point of the solvent, allowing extraction at lower temperatures. This reduces the degradation of heat-sensitive actives and prevents excessive dissolution of plant proteins into the extract, improving product quality and stability.
4. Which industries use pilot Soxhlet apparatus?
The Pilot Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus is widely used in botanical and herbal extract development, traditional Chinese medicine, nutraceuticals, functional beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceutical / API process development.
5. Does Nanjing Hjchem offer scale-up to industrial systems?
Yes. Nanjing Hjchem Equipment Co.,Ltd can support a full scale-up path: from pilot Soxhlet extraction apparatus to industrial Soxhlet extractors, along with vacuum concentrators, molecular distillation systems and reactors, ensuring a coherent process from R&D to large-scale production.