IKA labworldsoft - Manual (Page 109)

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The solids extractor is a device used to extract all types of solid matter quickly and fully
automatically. It is based on the IKA Labortechnik RET control visc . Apart from the magnetic
stirrer, the extractor also has a valve which can be actuated from the computer. This valve allows a
heating/cooling block on the magnetic stirrer to be cooled.
In the "fexIKA" parameter window, it is possible to make the following settings:
Ports: Here, you can select the port to which the fexIKA device to be configured is connected.
Measured values: Here, you can specify which measured values provided by the magnetic stirrer
you want to output and which are to be included in the experiment plan.
Speed: Here, you can preselect the speed which is to be maintained for the duration of the
experiment.
Adjust to: If the heating plate temperature option is selected, the setpoint "Heating" temperature
entered in the "Cycles" window refers to the heating plate temperature of the magnetic stirrer. If the
cooling sensor option is selected, the temperature refers to the measured PT100 value. (This is
particularly advisable if the experiment is performed under a vacuum and at low temperatures
(down to a block temperature of 0°C)).
The status box: When you activate an fexIKA device, a small icon which opens a status box when
double-clicked appears at the bottom of the screen. The status box tells you whether extraction has
been started (green dot after "Extraction"), whether heating or cooling is being performed (red or
blue dot after "Heating/cooling"), and which cycle the process has reached.
You start general configuration in the usual way using the Start button (top left). You must then
start each individual fexIKA process from the status box. In this way, you can control each fexIKA
individually and independently from each other if more than one system is operated.
In an emergency, you can switch the cooling unit on and off at any time from the status box. This
stops the process currently being performed.
fexIKA principle
Fluidized bed solids extraction:
1. The solvent is heated up and flows as a vapor through the sample (the fluidization of the sample
caused by the hot vapor gives the process its name). The solvent then condenses and drops back into
the sample.
2. If most of the solvent has evaporated and has accumulated in the sample, the heating is switched
off and cooling switched on.
3. The rapid cooling of the heating/cooling block causes the basic vessel to cool down rapidly. The
solvent vapor pressure drops and a vacuum is created.
4. This vacuum causes the solvent in the sample to be drawn through a filter and back into the basic
vessel. The process can then start again.