A Continuous Extractor of Large Capacity C. M. MCCAY,Animal Nutrition Laboratory, Cornell University, I t h a c a , N. Y.
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CONTIKUOUS extractor that will hold 10 to 46 kg. (20 to 50 lb.) of material a t one charge is very useful in most biochemical and nutrition laboratories. The extractor shown in Figure 1, which has been designed for this purpose, consists of an earthenware jar, J , with a ground top of special design. The top contains two 3.3-cm. (1.25in.) holes for the condensers A and B, as well as three special knobs for imbedding bolts. The bolts are set by placing
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Figure 2 shows the extractor after a year of constant use. The iron bracket to which the top of the jar is bolted has an upright rod welded to it, serving as a support to which the condensers are clamped. I n this photograph the condenser A (Figure 1) was lifted to permit a clear view of the iron tripod. When the extractor is in use a rope leading to an ordinary pulley is fastened to the bracket a t the point where the upright support is attached, making it possible for one person to operate the extractor. After the extractor is assembled it is disconnected a t point E. The lid bearing the condensers is lifted enough for clearance and swung free from the opening of the jar. The material to be extracted is placed in a cloth bag and lowered
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FIGURE1. DIAGRAM OF ASSEMBLED EXTRACTOR, WITHOUT STEAMBATH AND SUPPORTING BRACKET them in position and then pouring the holes around them full of molten lead. No gaskets are needed, since the ground top is quite wide. A beveled edge has not been used, but might be useful if not too expensive. Above B a second condenser, C, is p'aced and the vapor line is introduced between these two condensers. If it is desired to carry out a hot extraction with some solvent such as alcohol, the water of the lower condenser, B, is shut off. The earthenware jar makes it possible to carry out either hot or cold extractions. The condensers, B and C, consist of a piece of brass pipe an inch in diameter. The jackets consist of iron pipe. The vapor line, H , is copper tubing with a diameter of 1.9 cm. (0.75 in.). The siphon tube, G, is a copper tube 0.5 cm. (0.374 in.) in diameter. Connections are placed a t E, F , and G. With a 20-liter (5-gal.) jar, J , a 22-liter Pyrex flask, P , is large enough. A couple of rings of garden hose form a very satisfactory support for this flask in the steam bath.
PROGRESS TOWARD INDUSTRIALIZATION in Mexico is noted in
activities centering around Mexico City, from where also reports come concerning federalization of the country's textile industry in accordance with a legislative enactment of March 20, 1933. Certain Mexico City industrialists are reported to be planning an organization under central management to produce a diversified line of goods, such as hennequen bags, incandescent lamps,
FIGURE 2. EXTRACTOR, SHOWINQ IRON BRACKET FOR MOVING LID into the jar, and the lid is then swung back and lowered into position. Allowance must be made for swelling after the solvent is placed over such material as casein. This extractor is simple in design, operates effectively and easily, and is inexpensive.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT The author wishes to thank the Maurice A. Knight Company for manufacturing these special jars from his design. RECEIVED January 28, 1933.
rubber articles, such as fountain pens and combs, and Cellophane and rayon yarn. A large carbide plant near Mexico, inactive since the World War, is producing a satisfactory grade of carbide from raw materials obtained nearby. The plant is said t o have a capacity of 5000 tons annually. The present consumption of the country is estimated at 3500 tons.
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