20L Plant Oil Extraction Machine Multi Functional For Laboratory

20L Multi-Function Plant Oil Extraction Machine for Laboratory R&D and Pilot Testing

Product Overview

This versatile 20L bench-scale extraction unit is a comprehensive platform for research, process development, and small-scale pilot production. Capable of performing steam distillation, water distillation, and solvent reflux extraction within a single footprint, it eliminates the need for multiple pieces of lab equipment. Constructed from high-clarity borosilicate glass and stainless steel, it offers full process visibility while maintaining chemical resistance. It is an indispensable tool for universities, R&D departments of cosmetic companies, and artisan distillers testing new botanical formulations.

Cause

Scaling from a gram of lab extract to a kilogram of commercial product is fraught with risk. Extraction dynamics change significantly with vessel geometry and thermal mass. R&D teams often waste valuable raw materials trying to replicate lab results on large industrial machines. Without a dedicated pilot system, companies are forced to guess at process parameters, leading to failed scale-up batches and costly delays in product launch. There is a critical need for a bridge between the beaker and the factory floor—a system that provides accurate, scalable data.

Solution

This 20L pilot unit mirrors the fluid dynamics and heat transfer characteristics of our industrial 500L and 1000L systems. By using this platform, researchers can precisely determine optimal temperature ramps, solvent ratios, and extraction durations with minimal feedstock investment. The modular glass design allows for quick configuration changes between distillation and reflux modes. The data generated, including temperature profiles and yield curves, is directly scalable using a 1:25 volume ratio, providing a reliable roadmap for full-scale production investment and GMP validation protocols.

Specifications

Application

This unit is essential for universities conducting phytochemical research on novel plant species. Cosmetic formulators use it to create small-batch extracts for stability testing and sensory evaluation. Craft distillers employ it to test seasonal harvests of lavender or rosemary to gauge oil yield before committing to a full 500kg run. It is also used in quality control labs to verify the oil content of incoming raw material shipments.

How It Works

Depending on the glassware configuration, steam is generated in the flask and passes through a packed column of plant material, or the material is submerged directly in boiling water. The vaporized oil and steam rise into the condenser, where they cool and drip into the separator. The operator can visually monitor the color of the distillate and the accumulation of oil in real-time. The digital heating mantle provides precise, PID-controlled heat input to avoid scorching the botanicals.

How To Choose

Selecting a lab unit requires attention to glassware compatibility and safety features. First, ensure the kit includes the specific extraction heads you need (e.g., Clevenger-type trap for essential oil analysis). Second, confirm the heating mantle has over-temperature protection to prevent glass breakage. Third, check the joint sizes (Standard Taper 24/40 or 29/32) to ensure they match your existing lab glassware inventory. Fourth, consider adding a vacuum pump and cold trap if you intend to perform low-temperature solvent recovery.

FAQ

Q: Is the glass fragile during heating and cooling cycles?

A: The system uses Borosilicate 3.3 glass, which has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and is highly resistant to thermal shock. However, we recommend a gradual heating and cooling ramp rate of no more than 3°C per minute.

Q: Can this unit handle high-viscosity oils like vetiver?

A: Yes, but for very viscous oils, we recommend using the steam distillation configuration rather than hydro-distillation. This prevents the oil from sticking to the bottom of the boiling flask and burning.

Q: What is included in the standard package?

A: The standard package includes the 20L boiling flask, the column with material basket, the condenser, the oil separator, the heating mantle with stand, and a set of PTFE seals and clamps.