The steps involved in the removal of 95% ethanol-soluble extractives from samples are listed below:
1. The moisture content of the sample is determined, in duplicate.
2. Two 11 ml capacity DIONEX ASE (Accelerated Solvent Extraction) cells are filled with recorded weights of the sample.
3. The following DIONEX ASE 200 Method is then used on each cell:
Pressure: | 1500 psi |
Temperature: | 100 celcius |
Preheat Time: | 0 mins |
Heat Time: | 5 mins |
Static Time: | 7 mins |
Flush Volume: | 150% |
Purge Time: | 150 s |
Static Cycles: | 3 |
Solvent: | 95% Ethanol |
4. A box, of known weight, is taken and the remaining biomass from the extraction cell transferred to it. This is repeated for the other cell.
5. After 2 days each box is weighed again and the moisture content of a subsample of the extracted biomass determined (in duplicate).
6. The weight of extractives is determined as the mass loss in the biomass sample due to extraction in the ASE-200 (corrected for moisture).