ETHOS X

Total Fat Determination in Foodstuffs

Traditional fat extraction methods are very labor intensive and time-consuming. Our ETHOS X performs determination of fat content in milk products simultaneously in just 90 minutes, having equivalent results with those obtained by reference fat determination methods.

PERFORMANCES COMPARISON

The traditional fat extraction methods are very labour intensive and time-consuming. Compare the performances of the ETHOS X microwave-based technology to those of the Reference Method

A NEW METHOD

The ETHOS X determines total fat in milk and milk products as a result of two working steps. In the first step sample hydrolysis and extraction take place simultaneously at relatively elevated temperature and pressure conditions. In the second step a known aliquot of the solvent with the extracted fat is evaporated allowing the chemist to weigh and measure the fat content.

Hydrolysis & Extraction

Up to 12 samples can be analyzed simultaneously, with a typical sample amount up to 10 gram. 10 mL of diluted acid and 25 mL of solvent are used for most matrices. The combined hydrolysis and extraction process takes place at 125°C and requires approximately 50 minutes or less. Temperature is monitored and controlled in each and every vessel by using a unique combination of fiber optic and infrared temperature sensors. The ETHOS X built-in magnetic stirrer assures an even heating and temperature uniformity in all vessels, as well as intensive mixing between the aqueous and the solvent phases.

Solvent Evaporation

A measured aliquot of the solvent with the extracted fat is evaporated in disposable cups, located in a dedicated rotor, in just 15 minutes. The evaporation process takes place under controlled temperature and vacuum conditions, to avoid the thermal degradation of the fat content. At the completion of the evaporation, the fat content is immediately weighed on a balance which is directly interfaced with the ETHOS X, taking advantage of the extremely short cooling time of the disposable cups. The instrument operating software automatically calculates the fat content and all the statistics associated with the analysis of the 12 samples analyzed.

HIGH TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Microwave Hardware

The ETHOS X microwave cavity has a volume in excess of 70 liters, by far the largest currently available. With an installed power of 1900 Watt, the ETHOS X is the most powerful microwave platform system available for extraction. A rotating diffuser evenly distributes the microwaves throughout the cavity. A magnetic stirrer is built-in in the ETHOS X system. It is designed to ensure vigorous stirring of the solutions in all vessels. Finally, the ETHOS X actually acts as a fume hood, as it incorporates a powerful exhaust system.

User Interface

The new Milestone ETHOS X is equipped with the most advanced yet easy to use reaction temperature and pressure sensors for complete quality control of the extraction conditions. It is controlled via a compact terminal with an easy-to-read, bright, full-color, touchscreen display. The terminal runs a completely new user-friendly, icon-driven, multi-language software to provide easy control of the microwave run.